Aircraft Cryogenic Tank Walls With Integrated Sensor Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring cryogenic liquid tanks in aircraft, such as those using optical fibers or wireless sensor networks, face challenges in power supply and design complexity, with energy harvesting being non-viable in all cases and requiring tailored designs.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic liquid tank with an electrically conductive track structure formed on the tank walls, integrating sensors directly onto the tank body, allowing for power and data transfer without cables, and utilizing sensors like capacitive, resistive, thermocouple, or radiofrequency sensors for distributed measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fibers or wireless sensor networks are used for monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and power supply requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor network with the tank structure itself by integrating conductive tracks directly into the tank walls. This merging eliminates the need for separate cable systems and external power supplies, as the tank structure serves dual purposes: containing the cryogenic liquid and providing the electrical infrastructure for sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank walls are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: structural containment, thermal insulation, and electrical conduction for sensors. The conductive tracks integrated into the tank walls provide both structural reinforcement and electrical pathways, eliminating the need for separate cable systems.
2Ease of operation
If wireless sensor networks with energy harvesting are used, then cable requirements are reduced, but design complexity and applicability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tank structure itself provides the electrical infrastructure needed by sensors through integrated conductive tracks. The system serves itself by using the tank walls as both containment structures and electrical conduits, eliminating the need for external power supplies and complex energy harvesting designs.
3Reliability
If conventional cable systems are used for sensor power supply, then power delivery is reliable, but installation effort and time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery infrastructure with the tank structure by integrating conductive tracks directly into the tank walls during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate cable installation processes, reducing installation time and effort while maintaining reliable electrical connections for sensors.
4Ease of manufacture
If sensors are integrated directly onto tank walls, then cabling effort is reduced, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tank walls are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: structural containment, thermal insulation, and electrical conduction. The conductive tracks integrated into the tank walls provide both structural reinforcement and electrical pathways, eliminating the need for separate cable systems and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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
Reduces cabling effort, simplifies manufacturing, and enables redundant electrical networks with integrated multifunctional metal layers, facilitating easier installation and improved monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive track structure that is formed on the at least one tank wall and configured for conducting electricity from a terminal to a sensor
Implementation Method 2
oxidizing or letting oxidize the metal material so as to form an insulating substrate layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides improved measures for monitoring and manufacturing tanks for cryogenic liquids. It is proposed that the tank (22) is manufactured in a way that signal and power lines from a control unit (38) to sensors (34) of the cryogenic tank (22) are integrated with the tank walls (24, 26). The conductive track structure (32) so formed has a layer structure (47) that uses the naturally oc-curing or artificially generated insulating layer (48) on the tank wall material as a substrate on top of which conductive paths (32a-d) are formed that connect the sensors (34) to the control unit (38).