Filter Obstruction Sensor Circuit for Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engine hydraulic systems lack monitoring for auxiliary fuel filters, which are not equipped with obstruction sensors, posing reliability and cost challenges due to the need for additional processor inputs and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A device that utilizes a single processor input to monitor both the main and auxiliary fuel filters by incorporating a second obstruction sensor that sends a distinct detection signal, allowing the processor to differentiate between the filters' obstruction states without requiring additional inputs or electrical connections, using a Wheatstone bridge with a passive or active sensor connected in parallel to the main sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional obstruction sensor is added to monitor the auxiliary fuel filter, then the reliability of the engine is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring an additional processor input and electrical lead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring functions of two separate obstruction sensors (main fuel filter and auxiliary fuel filter) into a single processor input. The first obstruction sensor is configured to send detection signals for both filters through a shared electrical lead, merging what would traditionally require separate connections into one unified signal path that the processor can distinguish through signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The first obstruction sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring both the main fuel filter and the auxiliary fuel filter simultaneously. This multi-functional sensor sends distinct detection signals for each filter through the same electrical lead, allowing a single sensor-input connection to serve multiple monitoring purposes
2Reliability
If an additional obstruction sensor is added to monitor the auxiliary fuel filter, then the reliability of the engine is improved, but the mass and cost of the engine increase due to the additional electrical lead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a separate electrical lead for the auxiliary fuel filter monitoring by combining the signal transmission path. The single electrical lead carries detection signals for both the main and auxiliary fuel filters, removing the additional wiring mass that would result from a separate connection
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
Enables precise identification of obstructed filters using a single processor input, reducing costs and complexity by eliminating the need for additional electrical leads and inputs, while maintaining reliable monitoring of both main and auxiliary fuel filters.
Implementation Method 1
an obstruction sensor includes a deformable membrane and a set of strain gauges, also known as strain gauge resistors, which are built into the deformable membrane to form a Wheatstone bridge
Implementation Method 2
a set of strain gauges, also known as strain gauge resistors, which are built into the deformable membrane to form a Wheatstone bridge
Data Source
AI summary
A device monitors an obstruction of two fluid filters of a fluid circulation system of a gas turbine engine of an aircraft. A first obstruction sensor sends a first detection signal of an obstruction of a first filter. A second obstruction sensor sends a second detection signal of an obstruction of a second filter. A processor includes a monitoring input to measure the first and second detection signals. The first obstruction sensor includes a Wheatstone bridge including a strain gauge resistor. The second obstruction sensor is connected in parallel with the strain gauge resistor. The first detection signal is sent over a first predetermined variation range. The second detection signal is sent over a second predetermined variation range, distinct from the first variation range. The processor identifies the obstruction of one of the fluid filters as a function of one of the variation ranges of the detection signals.