Conformal Sensor Mat for Aircraft Component Force Vector Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensing systems for aircraft components lack the ability to resolve force vectors and determine loading without modifying the component's structure, and they are not easily installable or reliable.
Innovation Solution
A sensor mat with a plurality of sensors disposed at predetermined locations based on the component's geometry, arranged in sensor clusters that can be configured to sense forces, shear strain, normal strain, and temperature, and can be conformally attached to the component using a flexible substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensing systems are used for aircraft components, then the system structure can be kept simple, but force vector resolution and loading determination are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple independent sensor elements arranged in a matrix pattern on the component surface. Each sensor measures a specific strain component, and the collective data from segmented sensors enables complete force vector resolution without requiring a complex integrated sensing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from measuring single-point forces to measuring distributed strain fields across the component surface. By adding the spatial dimension of measurement locations and orientations, the system resolves force vectors through strain rosette measurements at multiple points rather than requiring complex force sensing elements.
2Reliability
If conventional sensing systems are used, then installation may be straightforward, but reliability and ease of installation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mat is pre-assembled with all sensor elements, wiring, and substrate materials arranged in the correct configurations before installation. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and connectivity, improving reliability while simplifying the actual installation process to a single attachment step to the component surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are arranged to sense multiple force components, then measurement capability improves, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mat design provides universal measurement capability across multiple force components and orientations through a standardized array configuration. The same mat structure can measure axial loads, bending moments, torsional forces, and shear forces by appropriately selecting and combining sensor readings, eliminating the need for different sensor arrangements for different measurement requirements.
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 sensor mat effectively resolves force vectors and determines loading on aircraft components, providing reliable and easy-to-install sensing capabilities that conform to the component's geometry.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of sensors can include foil strain sensors
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of sensors can include Fiber-Bragg Grating sensors
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of sensors can include carbon nanotube strain sensors
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a sensing system includes a sensor mat configured to conform to a component having a central axis, a first sensor cluster disposed on or in the sensor mat configured to sense one or more conditions at a first location on the component, and a second sensor cluster disposed on or in the sensor mat configured to sense one or more conditions at a second location circumferentially spaced to the first location. In embodiments, the second location can be diametrically opposed to the first location.