Aircraft Cryogenic Tank Walls With Integrated Sensor Power Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring cryogenic liquid tanks in aircraft, such as using optical fibers and sensor networks, require extensive cabling for power supply, which is complex and not always viable, especially considering the harsh cryogenic environments and large temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electrically conductive tracks directly onto the tank walls to replace cables, allowing for power and data transfer to sensors, with sensors being either integral to the tracks or separately mounted, and using metal layers for conductive paths and insulation, enabling reduced cabling effort and easier manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fibers or sensor networks are used for monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to extensive cabling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor mounting structure with the electrical connection function into a single integrated component. The sensor mounting structure includes integrated conductive elements that directly electrically connect the sensor to the tank wall, eliminating the need for separate cabling and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mechanically mounts the sensor to the tank wall, provides electrical connection through integrated conductive elements, and acts as part of the overall sensing system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on tank walls, then monitoring is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mounting structure combines mechanical mounting and electrical connection functions into a single integrated component that is manufactured as one piece. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of assembly steps and components, while still enabling effective sensor mounting and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting structure is designed and prepared in advance during the tank manufacturing process, with conductive elements pre-integrated into the structure. This preliminary preparation simplifies subsequent sensor installation and reduces manufacturing complexity by having connection pathways ready before sensors are mounted.
3Use of energy by moving object
If extensive cabling is used for power supply, then power delivery is ensured, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from separate external cables and integrates it directly into the sensor mounting structure. The conductive elements are built into the mounting structure itself, eliminating the need for separate cabling and thereby reducing the overall weight of the system while maintaining power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure merges the mechanical support function with the electrical connection function, creating a single component that both holds the sensor and provides electrical pathways. This consolidation eliminates redundant materials and reduces weight compared to using separate mounting brackets and cables.
Data Source
AI summary
Measures for monitoring and manufacturing tanks for cryogenic liquids. The tank is manufactured in a way that signal and power lines from a control unit to sensors of the cryogenic tank are integrated with the tank walls. The conductive track structure so formed has a layer structure that uses the naturally occurring or artificially generated insulating layer on the tank wall material as a substrate on top of which conductive paths are formed that connect the sensors to the control unit.