Abraded Wire Detection System Using Conductive Fuel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting abraded insulation on wires in aircraft fuel tanks are costly and labor-intensive, requiring redundant systems and frequent inspections, which add weight and reduce aircraft availability.
Innovation Solution
An abraded wire detection system (AWDS) that includes an electrode on the fuel tank, a power source, and a current sensor in series with the wire and electrode, allowing for the detection of abrasions by measuring current flow through conductive fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extra wire mounting brackets are installed to maintain separation between wires, then wire abrasion prevention is improved, but aircraft weight increases and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire separation system (mounting brackets) with an electrical detection system (AWDS) that uses conductive fuel as a medium to detect wire abrasions through electrical current measurements, eliminating the need for physical mechanical supports
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductive fuel as an intermediary medium that enables electrical contact between abraded wire insulation and the fuel, allowing the detection system to sense wire conditions without physical proximity or mechanical support structures
2Reliability
If frequent physical inspections are conducted inside fuel tanks, then wire abrasion detection reliability is improved, but aircraft downtime increases and inspection cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AWDS enables continuous monitoring of wire insulation conditions through the conductive fuel medium, allowing detection to occur during normal aircraft operation without requiring periodic shutdowns for physical inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual physical inspection procedures with an automated electrical detection system that continuously monitors wire conditions through current measurements in the conductive fuel, eliminating the need for aircraft shutdown and physical access to fuel tanks
3Reliability
If redundant systems are installed to address latent faults, then system reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive fuel serves a dual purpose: it performs its primary function of fuel storage and combustion while simultaneously acting as the detection medium for the AWDS, eliminating the need for separate redundant detection systems or infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The AWDS effectively detects abraded wires without the need for extra brackets or frequent physical inspections, reducing costs and downtime, and allowing for more efficient maintenance procedures.
Implementation Method 1
applying a voltage signal on the wire with a power source. Furthermore, the method also includes receiving a current on an electrode in electrical series with a fuel tank wall and determining if an abrasion is present on the wire from the received current
Data Source
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AI summary
An abraded wire detection system 'AWDS' (104) for detecting an abrasion (226) on a wire (218) in a fuel tank (102) is disclosed. The AWDS (104) includes an electrode (208) on the fuel tank (102), a power source (200), and a current sensor (202) in electrical series with the power source (200), wire (218), and the electrode (208). The current sensor (202) includes circuitry that detects a current from the wire (218) to the electrode (208). Additionally disclosed is an aircraft (100) having a fuel tank (102), a wire (218) within the fuel tank (102), and the AWDS (104).