Laser Anemometry Probe Icing Detection via Coherent Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current icing detection systems in aircraft are costly, require additional equipment, and often provide late warnings of icing severity, as they rely on polarization-based LiDAR systems and require multiple sensors, which can be ineffective in severe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A laser anemometry probe system employing continuous coherent detection with single-particle mode, analyzing phase and amplitude discrepancies of backscattered signals to differentiate between liquid water and ice crystals, and determining icing conditions based on temperature thresholds, integrated with existing laser anemometry probes to detect and assess icing severity without additional cost or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a LiDAR system based on depolarization analysis is used, then icing conditions can be detected, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex polarization-based LiDAR systems by using only phase and amplitude analysis of backscattered signals. This removes unnecessary polarization components while retaining the core icing detection capability, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified version of the LiDAR detection system that copies only the necessary functional elements (phase and amplitude detection) rather than implementing the complete polarization analysis system. This allows icing detection without the full complexity of polarization-based approaches.
2Measurement precision
If vibration-based icing severity detectors are installed, then icing severity can be measured, but additional equipment, cost, and fuel consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing laser anemometry probe multi-functional by enabling it to perform both velocity measurement and icing detection/severity measurement through phase and amplitude analysis. This eliminates the need for separate vibration-based detectors, reducing equipment quantity and fuel consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the icing detection and severity measurement functions into the existing laser anemometry probe system. By combining multiple functions into a single device, the system reduces the total number of components required while maintaining the ability to measure icing severity accurately.
3Reliability
If traditional icing detectors are used, then icing detection is provided, but warnings are delayed until after icing starts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of icing conditions by analyzing phase and amplitude characteristics of backscattered signals before visible icing forms on the aircraft. This early detection capability provides advance warning to pilots, allowing them to take preventive action before icing becomes severe, thereby reducing the loss of time.
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
This system effectively detects icing risks and assesses severity with high precision, providing early warnings and improving aircraft safety by integrating with existing probes, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the signal resulting from the transit of a particle in the beam (of generally Gaussian profile) is characterized by
Implementation Method 2
the central frequency, representative of the speed of the particle
Implementation Method 3
first means for comparing a first discrepancy, over a duration of observation of the said measurement signals, between the phase of the signal measured by the said probe and an expected phase
Implementation Method 4
second means for comparing a second discrepancy, over the said duration of observation of the said measurement signals, between the amplitude of the signal measured by the said probe and an expected amplitude
Data Source
AI summary
The laser anemometry probe (LAP) system with continuous coherent detection, with single-particle mode, comprises means (AN) for analyzing the measurement signals of the said probe (LAP) and means (MES_T) for measuring the temperature (T).The system comprises, furthermore, means (DET_CG) for determining icing conditions when means (DET_GEL) for detecting the presence of a liquid water drop detect the presence of a liquid water drop, and when the said temperature (T) is below the said third threshold (S3).