Turbine Engine Ice Detection with Pressure Simulation Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for testing jet engines under icing conditions often result in unnecessary precautionary shut-downs due to conservative predictive methods that do not align with actual operational conditions, leading to costly and time-consuming delays and potential engine damage.

Innovation Solution

An ice detection test apparatus and system that includes an engine pressure simulation device, air moving device, and ice monitor sensor array, which simulates engine intake conditions and continuously monitors for actual icing using sensors and a controller to provide real-time warnings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conservative predictive methods are used to determine icing conditions, then engine safety is improved, but unnecessary shut-downs increase leading to loss of time and productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine safetyVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conservative mechanical predictive tables with an electronic ice detection system that uses sensors (capacitive, optical, or other types) to directly detect ice formation. This substitution allows real-time monitoring of actual icing conditions rather than relying on pre-calculated conservative thresholds, thereby reducing unnecessary shut-downs while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring actual ice formation on the engine inlet components and providing real-time data to the control system. This feedback loop allows dynamic adjustment of testing operations based on actual ice conditions rather than conservative predictions, reducing false positive shut-downs while ensuring engine protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If ice detection sensors are installed on the engine inlet, then measurement precision of icing conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveicing detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ice detection function into separate sensor modules (capacitive sensors, optical sensors, or other detection devices) that can be independently installed on specific locations of the engine inlet. This segmentation allows precise measurement of ice formation at critical areas without requiring a complex integrated system, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If hot air is introduced into the engine for ice prevention, then ice formation is reduced, but test data validity is compromised due to false results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice formationVSAvoidtest data validity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary ice detection system that independently monitors ice formation conditions without interfering with the engine testing process. The sensors detect actual ice formation and provide warnings to operators, allowing ice prevention measures to be taken only when necessary and without introducing hot air that would compromise test data validity. This intermediary system bridges the gap between ice prevention and accurate testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system effectively reduces unnecessary shut-downs by accurately detecting icing conditions, allowing for more efficient and safe engine testing by minimizing false positive predictions and optimizing testing time.

Implementation Method 1

ice monitor sensor array (IMSA) positioned to measure ice and air conditions in the engine pressure simulation device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIce detection:

Implementation Method 2

air moving device connected to the engine pressure simulation device for moving air through the engine pressure simulation device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow simulation:

Implementation Method 3

engine pressure simulation device configured for simulating conditions at the air intake of a turbine engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure simulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260077867A1Ice Detection and Precautionary System Shut-Down Event Reduction Systems and Related Methods

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

AI summary

Ice detection test apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some cases, ice detection and precautionary system shut-down event reduction systems and related methods are provided. The system utilizes a turbine engine ice detection apparatus that includes and engine pressure simulation device, an air moving device, and a first air pressure sensor associated with the engine pressure simulation device. The embodiment further includes an ice monitor controller that receives inputs from the first air pressure sensor and at least one second sensor located adjacent a turbine engine intake. The ice monitor controller performs comparisons of inputs from these sensors against each other and stored values to determine actual icing conditions then generate warnings on a display to an operator. The exemplary control section has multiple modes including manual, semi-manual and automatic.