Electronic Multi-Function Probe Stall Protection Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air data systems face challenges in accurately determining aircraft airspeed, altitude, angle of attack, and angle of sideslip, especially during sideslip conditions, due to the need for precise compensation of local parameters, which is crucial for safe operation in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace and stall protection.
Innovation Solution
An electronic multi-function probe (MFP) is designed to integrate air data sensing and stall protection system functionality, featuring a plurality of pressure sensing ports and electronics housing with air data processing and stall protection system processing circuitry, capable of generating air data parameters and detecting stall conditions, and can be configured as dual-channel or single-channel systems with dissimilar channels to provide independent and dissimilar air data systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electronic MFPs are used in an air data sensing system to provide redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (air data sensing, stall protection, and redundancy) into a single integrated electronic MFP unit. The probe incorporates multiple pressure sensing ports and processing circuitry that can independently calculate air data parameters while providing stall protection functionality, eliminating the need for separate redundant probe systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic MFP is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs air data parameter calculation, stall condition detection, and provides redundant estimation capabilities. The single probe can operate in different modes and configurations to provide both primary and backup air data, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated probes.
2Reliability
If dissimilar channels are used in multi-MFP air data systems to prevent common mode errors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dissimilar channel configurations within the single MFP by providing different processing paths for redundant calculations. Different pressure sensing ports are assigned to different channels with distinct processing algorithms, allowing each channel to calculate air data parameters independently using different methods, thereby preventing common mode errors while maintaining system redundancy.
3Measurement precision
If compensation for local parameters is performed during sideslip to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs compensation calculations for local parameters (such as local AOA and static pressure) during the sideslip condition detection and correction process. The processing circuitry pre-calculates compensation factors based on detected sideslip angles and applies them to correct air data parameters, ensuring accurate altitude and airspeed indications without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
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 integrated MFP system enhances accuracy in air data calculations and effectively detects stall conditions, providing reliable airspeed, altitude, and angle measurements while ensuring aircraft safety by integrating air data and stall protection functions within a single probe, thereby improving operational safety in challenging flight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The air data processing circuitry is configured to generate air data parameters, including airspeed and altitude, as a function of pressures at the plurality of pressure sensing ports
Implementation Method 2
The stall protection system processing circuitry positioned in the electronics housing of the electronic MFP is configured to detect stall conditions as a function of angle of attack and at least one air data parameter
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic multi-function probe (MFP) is provided for positioning adjacent an aircraft skin. The electronic MFP includes a plurality of pressure sensing ports and an electronics housing. Positioned within the electronics housing are air data processing circuitry and stall protection system processing circuitry. The air data processing circuitry is configured to generate air data parameters, including airspeed and altitude, as a function of pressures at the plurality of pressure sensing ports. The stall protection system processing circuitry of the electronic MFP is configured to detect stall conditions as a function of angle of attack and at least one air data parameter from the air data processing circuitry, and to generate stall protection system outputs indicative of the detected stall conditions.