Hybrid Wheel Transducer for Low-Speed Bidirectional Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft braking systems using variable reluctance sensors are unable to accurately measure angular position and rotational velocity, especially at low speeds and in both forward and reverse directions, which is a limitation for advanced aircraft operations such as unmanned aerial vehicles and motorized taxi systems.
Innovation Solution
A dual technology wheel speed transducer is developed, combining a dual coil variable reluctance mechanism with a secondary component like a magnetic encoder or other proximity sensors, allowing for independent measurement of wheel speed, angular position, and velocity in both directions, suitable for retrofitting existing aircraft and ensuring robustness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable reluctance sensors are used for wheel speed measurement, then the device is reliable and robust, but the measurement precision deteriorates at low speeds and in bidirectional operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different sensing technologies - variable reluctance sensors and magnetic encoders - into a single hybrid transducer assembly. The variable reluctance portion provides robust high-speed measurement, while the magnetic encoder portion provides precise low-speed and bidirectional measurement, resolving the contradiction by merging complementary technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid transducer assembly performs multiple functions: it measures wheel speed across the entire range from zero to high speeds, determines rotational direction, and provides angular position information. This multi-functionality resolves the limitation of variable reluctance sensors by incorporating magnetic encoders that excel at low-speed and bidirectional measurement.
2Device complexity
If variable reluctance sensors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to advanced aircraft operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging variable reluctance sensors with magnetic encoders in a single hybrid transducer, the system gains the versatility needed for advanced operations (unmanned UAV taxiing, motorized taxi systems, bidirectional movement) while keeping the overall structure integrated and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid transducer provides universal measurement capability across all operational modes - from zero speed to high speed, in both forward and reverse directions, and provides angular position data. This multi-functionality enables adaptability to diverse advanced aircraft operations without requiring multiple separate systems.
3Device complexity
If a single variable reluctance sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement capability at zero speed and bidirectional detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a variable reluctance sensor with a magnetic encoder in a single integrated transducer assembly. The magnetic encoder provides the missing capabilities for zero-speed detection and bidirectional measurement, while the variable reluctance portion maintains the simple structure for high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid transducer achieves universal measurement capability by combining technologies: the magnetic encoder handles zero-speed and bidirectional detection, while the variable reluctance sensor handles high-speed measurement, providing comprehensive measurement across all operational conditions without requiring multiple separate sensor systems.
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 solution enables accurate measurement of wheel speed down to zero, improving braking efficiency and safety by providing reliable control for both forward and reverse directions, enhancing the capability to prevent deep skids and support advanced aircraft operations like unmanned aerial vehicle taxiing.
Implementation Method 1
Some current wheel speed devices for aircraft antiskid systems employ variable reluctance mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
When the magnet is close to the sensor, the flux is at a maximum. When the magnet is further away, the flux is reduced. The moving target thus results in a time-varying flux that induces a proportional voltage in the coil
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic encoder with an angular resolver (or other discrete proximity probes such as capacitive probes, inductive probes, or Hall Effect probes)
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel speed measuring device for an aircraft braking system uses dual technology packaged in a single transducer that incorporates the robust and reliable variable reluctance technology along with a secondary package for measuring position and velocity bi-directionally for low speed and taxi operations. The transducer of the present invention is preferably incorporated into the envelope of the axle to allow both retrofit on existing aircraft and to maintain existing axle design and configuration.