Aircraft Engine Instrumentation Comb With Integrated Sensor Data Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and failure rate of implementing and connecting multiple sensors to aircraft engine measurement benches are high due to the point-to-point topology and numerous connection cables, leading to cable disturbances and assembly challenges, especially in harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

An instrumentation comb with integrated sensors and a slave processing unit connected via a single communication link to a master processing unit, reducing cable connections and integrating analog-digital processing electronics to minimize disturbances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If point-to-point topology with analog sensors per line is used, then measurement coverage is comprehensive, but device complexity and cable quantity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidcable quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based analog signal transmission system with a wireless communication system. Sensors transmit measurement data wirelessly to the control unit, eliminating the need for extensive cable infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage across all measurement points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives wireless signals from all sensors, processes analog-to-digital conversions, stores measurement data, and controls the turbomachine operation. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity despite comprehensive measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If numerous connection cables are used for sensor connectivity, then all measurement points can be connected, but cable disturbances and failure rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement points connectivityVSAvoidfailure rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based connection system with wireless communication technology. Sensors transmit data through electromagnetic waves, eliminating physical cable disturbances, connection failures, and maintenance issues associated with extensive cable infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If analog sensors with point-to-point connections are used, then measurement data can be collected, but implementation complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical cable routing and connection assembly with wireless sensor nodes that transmit data automatically. This eliminates the need for precise cable installation, connection termination, and routing through engine components, dramatically simplifying assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Sensor nodes are designed as self-contained units with integrated power, sensing, and wireless transmission capabilities. They automatically configure and connect to the network without requiring manual cable installation or complex assembly procedures, enabling easy deployment and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If tubular manifold with multiple cables is used, then sensor connections are established, but pressure measurement losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor connectionVSAvoidpressure measurement losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical tubular manifold system with wireless communication for data transmission. Pressure sensors measure values and transmit them wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical pressure conduits that cause measurement losses, delays, and potential contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12566107B2Instrumentation comb for an aircraft engine with sensors and integrated electronic system

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 SAFRAN SA

AI summary

Instrumentation comb for an aircraft engine including a central tube with a longitudinal axis on which a determined number of orifices spaced apart along this longitudinal axis are drilled and a base forming a proximal end of this tube and intended to be fixed on a crankcase portion of the aircraft engine, each orifice being associated with a sensor for measuring a physical parameter of the aircraft engine and the base integrates a slave processing unit connected to each of the measuring sensors by a communication link able to receive in real time digital measurement data corresponding to the physical parameters measured by the measuring sensors and intended to be communicated to a master processing unit by a single communication link.