Aircraft Bleed Air Duct Sensor Self-Testing via Alternating Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing bleed duct air system sensors in aircraft require removing the control system from the electronics bay and using expensive testing devices, making frequent maintenance testing impractical due to cost and availability issues.
Innovation Solution
An interactive duct leak detection system that allows in-situ testing of sensors by sending alternating current through them to measure resistance, determining sensor health without depowering the aircraft or removing the control system, using an interface to display test results and alert faulty sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used to test sensors, then sensor health can be determined, but the control system must be removed from the electronics bay and expensive testing devices must be used
Solution Approach 1:
The control system tests the sensors itself using its own microcontroller and circuitry, eliminating the need for external testing devices. The microcontroller activates a test switch that connects test circuitry to the sensors, allowing the system to self-diagnose sensor health without requiring external equipment or removal from the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions: it normally controls the bleed duct air system and also performs sensor testing functions. By integrating the testing capability into the existing control system, the patent eliminates the need for separate expensive testing devices and makes testing accessible whenever the control system is operational.
2Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used, then sensor testing can be performed, but frequent maintenance testing is impractical due to cost and availability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control system tests the sensors itself using its own microcontroller and circuitry, eliminating the need for external testing devices. The microcontroller activates a test switch that connects test circuitry to the sensors, allowing the system to self-diagnose sensor health without requiring external equipment or removal from the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing control system's microcontroller and circuitry for testing instead of requiring expensive external testing devices. This approach makes frequent testing practical by eliminating the cost barrier associated with specialized testing equipment.
3Measurement precision
If direct current is sent through sensors for testing, then sensor resistance can be measured, but the sensors may be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter used for testing from direct current to alternating current. The microcontroller generates an alternating current signal that passes through the sensor, and the resulting signal is analyzed to determine sensor health. This parameter change allows measurement while preventing the destructive effects of direct current.
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
Enables real-time monitoring and testing of bleed duct air system sensors, reducing maintenance costs and frequency by allowing testing without removing the control system from the aircraft, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
sends alternating current through them to measure resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for testing a duct leak detection system of an aircraft is disclosed. A sensor (212) of the duct leak detection system is selected at an interface (202) of the duct leak detection system. An alternating current is sent through the selected sensor (212) and a resistance of the selected sensor (212) is measured using the alternating current. An indicative signal is generated at the interface (202) when the measured resistance of the selected sensor (212) is outside of a specification of the selected sensor (212).