Flush-Mounted Multifunction Probe for Aircraft Primary References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft primary reference probes are prone to failures due to meteorological and mechanical factors, leading to erroneous measurements, and current redundant solutions either require modifying the aircraft's skin or recertification, and do not fully satisfy the need for determining all primary references without additional data.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction probe integrating static pressure taps, a static temperature probe, and optical windows for laser anemometry, designed to be mounted on the aircraft's cockpit without protruding, allowing for the determination of additional primary references without altering the aircraft's skin or requiring recertification, and featuring a deicing system for the static pressure taps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protruding probes are used for measuring primary references, then measurement capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to plugging, lightning strikes, avian impacts, mechanical impacts, and icing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical protruding probes with a flush-mounted probe that uses optical methods (laser anemometry) for velocity measurement. The laser anemometer probe emits laser beams through the probe body to measure air velocity components without requiring protruding mechanical sensors, thereby avoiding the harmful effects that plague traditional protruding probes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having sensors protrude outward to contact the air flow, the invention inverts the approach by having the probe body flush with the aircraft skin and using internal optical paths. The laser beams pass through the transparent probe body to measure air properties without the probe protruding into the environment where it would be exposed to damaging factors.
2Reliability
If redundant probes are installed to offset failure risks, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multifunctional probe that integrates multiple measurement capabilities within a single device. The probe simultaneously provides static pressure measurement through pressure taps, temperature measurement through a temperature probe, and air velocity measurement through laser anemometry, eliminating the need for multiple separate probes while maintaining redundancy and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multifunctional probes combining multiple sensors are used, then measurement completeness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multifunctional probe into distinct functional modules: static pressure taps, temperature probe, laser anemometer assembly with optical window, and deicing system. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete probe, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining full measurement functionality.
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 multifunction probe provides a comprehensive set of anemo-barometric measurements, reducing the risk of failures from environmental factors and minimizing disruptions to the aircraft's skin, while enabling the computation of essential flight parameters like true airspeed, angle of attack, and Mach number without the need for additional probes or certification.
Implementation Method 1
an optical window transparent to laser radiation and positioned in the base for the passage of laser radiation through the base
Implementation Method 2
at least one laser anemometry optical head positioned to take laser anemometry measurements through the optical window
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of static pressure taps arranged through the base and connected to pressure measuring devices
Implementation Method 4
a static temperature probe mounted on the base
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction probe for primary references for an aircraft, an associated measuring system, aircraft and method for obtaining physical quantities are disclosed. In one aspect, the multifunction probe includes a base designed to be fastened on the cockpit of an aircraft, a plurality of static pressure taps arranged through the base and connected to pressure measuring devices and an optical window transparent to laser radiation and positioned in the base for the passage of laser radiation through the base. The multifunction probe further includes at least one laser anemometry optical head positioned to take laser anemometry measurements through the optical window and a static temperature probe mounted on the base.