Modular Pitot Probe Assembly with Replaceable Tip and Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pitot probes on UAVs are prone to damage due to their rigid structure, requiring time-consuming and costly inspections and repairs after each flight, which affects their availability for use.
Innovation Solution
A modular, flexible pitot probe assembly with replaceable components, including a sleeve member, socket member, plug, coil spring, and damper shroud, designed to absorb impact energy and facilitate quick repairs, allowing the pitot probe to be configured as either a total pressure or static pressure probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid pitot probe is used, then structural strength is improved, but vulnerability to impact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitot probe is divided into multiple replaceable segments including a tip portion, intermediate portion, and base portion. This segmentation allows the fragile tip to be separated from the mounting structure, enabling the tip to be replaced after impact damage without replacing the entire probe assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring mechanism is incorporated into the probe assembly to provide cushioning against impact forces. The spring absorbs shock during impact events, protecting the pressure sensing components from damage while allowing the probe to maintain structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the entire pitot probe is replaced after damage, then reliability is restored, but loss of time and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into replaceable portions, allowing only the damaged tip to be replaced rather than the entire probe. This reduces maintenance time and keeps spare inventory requirements low, thereby maintaining UAV productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective replacement of only the damaged tip portion while recovering and reusing the intact intermediate and base portions. This minimizes waste and reduces the time required for probe replacement during maintenance operations.
3Ease of repair
If a modular design is implemented, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into standardized segments with simple connection interfaces. This segmentation enables easy replacement of individual portions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not significantly increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic compliance to the assembly, allowing the probe to adapt to impact conditions while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic element adds functionality without substantially increasing the complexity of the replaceable tip portion.
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 modular design enables quick and easy repair of the pitot probe assembly, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while maintaining accurate pressure measurements during UAV operations.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring engaged with the sleeve member
Implementation Method 2
a damper shroud surrounding at least a portion of the coil spring
Data Source
AI summary
A pitot probe assembly that is formed from modular, replaceable components, and is flexible. The configuration of the pitot probe assembly allows the pitot probe assembly to absorb and/or dissipate impact energy, and the modular, replaceable components allow for quick and easy repair of the pitot probe assembly. The pitot probe assembly can be configured as a total pressure pitot probe assembly or as a pitot static probe assembly.