Movable Airfoil Ice Detector for Aircraft Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft ice detection systems fail to accurately simulate the pressure distribution of aircraft control surfaces, leading to a Zone of Non-Detection (ZND) where ice can form undetected on leading edge surfaces, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a movable airfoil ice detector with adjustable angle of attack, designed to simulate the pressure distribution of aircraft surfaces, including wings, stabilizers, and engine inlets, using sensors to detect ice accretion and communicate with a controller for deicing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ice detection systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the detection coverage is incomplete with zones of non-detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable airfoil detector with adjustable angle of attack that can dynamically change its configuration to simulate different airflow conditions over aircraft surfaces. This dynamic capability allows the detector to cover a complete envelope of detection conditions, eliminating zones of non-detection while maintaining reasonable system complexity through controlled movement and adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angle of attack parameter of the movable airfoil detector to simulate different flight conditions and airflow patterns. By varying this parameter, the system can detect ice formation across all relevant airflow conditions, achieving complete detection coverage without requiring multiple static detectors for each condition.
2Reliability
If a movable airfoil with adjustable angle of attack is implemented, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a scaled-down movable airfoil detector that copies the essential aerodynamic characteristics of full-scale aircraft surfaces. This miniature model approach allows the system to simulate various airflow conditions and detect ice formation accurately without requiring full-size test surfaces, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable airfoil detector is designed to perform multiple detection functions by adjusting its angle of attack to simulate different aircraft surface conditions. This single multi-functional detector can replace multiple specialized detectors, achieving complete detection coverage while actually reducing the number of components needed in the system.
3Reliability
If the movable airfoil simulates various airflow conditions, then ice detection reliability improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable airfoil detector operates by periodically adjusting its angle of attack to cycle through different simulated airflow conditions. This periodic action allows the system to achieve complete detection coverage over time rather than requiring all conditions to be simulated simultaneously, thereby reducing the instantaneous energy requirements while maintaining high detection reliability.
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 solution eliminates the Zone of Non-Detection by accurately simulating airflow pressure over aircraft surfaces, enabling effective detection of ice formation and preventing dangerous ice accumulation, thereby enhancing aircraft safety.
Implementation Method 1
the movable airfoil may substantially simulate airflow over at least a portion of a surface of an aircraft during operation of the aircraft by, at least in part, a shape of the movable airfoil and adjusting the angle of attack of at least a portion of the movable airfoil
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for an ice detector with a movable airfoil. The movable airfoil may be airfoil shaped and the ice detector may include an ice detection sensor. The movable airfoil may be adjusted in angle of attack and/or configuration to simulate the pressure gradient experienced by one or more of the wing, fuselage, engine, horizontal/vertical stabilizer, or other component of the aircraft. Sensors may be used to detect the configuration of the aircraft or the components of the aircraft and the configuration of the movable airfoil may then be adjusted to approximate the pressure distribution around the aircraft component. Ice accretion on the movable airfoil may be determined via the data from the ice detector.