Ice Detection Apparatus with Movable Scraping Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces during flight in cold, moist air can disrupt airflow and alter handling characteristics, posing safety risks due to existing ice detection methods' limitations in effectively and efficiently removing ice.
Innovation Solution
An ice detecting apparatus with a movable scraping member that allows longitudinal displacement, featuring an elongated rod with an ice detector and a channel system for protruding and retracting the ice detecting surface, utilizing optical fibers for detection and a ring-like scraping member to remove ice from the detecting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ice detector is mounted on the wing to detect ice accumulation, then ice detection capability is improved, but the detecting surface becomes susceptible to ice accumulation that disrupts its function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful effect of ice accumulation on the detecting surface by introducing a scraping member that actively removes ice from the detecting surface. The scraping member is positioned to contact and scrape the detecting surface, preventing ice buildup that would otherwise disrupt optical detection. This separates the detection function from the vulnerability to ice accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraping member performs preliminary action by continuously or periodically removing ice from the detecting surface before it can accumulate to levels that would disrupt detection. The scraping mechanism operates in advance to maintain the detecting surface in a clean state, ensuring the optical detector remains functional throughout flight conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the ice detecting surface protrudes out of the channel for effective detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but the surface becomes more exposed to ice accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detecting surface movable between a protruding position (for detection) and a retracted position (for protection). The detecting surface can extend outward to perform optical detection with adequate clearance, then retract into the channel to minimize ice accumulation exposure. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize between detection accuracy and ice resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting surface is segmented from the main body structure, allowing it to move independently between protruding and retracted positions. This segmentation enables the detecting surface to be positioned optimally for detection when needed, while being protected from ice accumulation when retracted into the channel.
3Reliability
If a scraping member is added to remove ice from the detecting surface, then continuous detection functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scraping function with the existing detecting surface structure. The scraping member is integrated into the channel assembly, and its movement is coordinated with the detecting surface positioning. This combination reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate ice removal and detection systems operating independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraping member serves multiple functions: it removes ice from the detecting surface, maintains optical clarity for detection, and can be integrated with the positioning mechanism of the detecting surface itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated ice removal systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 apparatus effectively detects and removes ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces, ensuring continuous functionality and safety by automatically adjusting the detection distance and clearing ice from the detecting surface, thereby preventing ice-related hazards.
Implementation Method 1
The light detector can include at least one optical fiber coupled to a light source on a receiving end thereof and configured to transmit light emitted from the light source towards an emitting end thereof
Implementation Method 2
The emitting end can be further configured for receiving light reflected from objects disposed adjacent the light detector and wherein the optical fiber can be configured for transmitted the reflected light towards a light sensor coupled to the receiving end
Data Source
AI summary
An ice detecting apparatus comprising: a body including at least one ice detector mounted thereon and having an ice detecting surface and a scraping member so mounted relative to said body as to allow their movement one relative to the other and configured for scraping ice from said detecting surface during said movement.