Multi-Function Air Data Sensor Integrating Pressure and Temperature Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air data sensors require multiple analog sensors, increasing production costs, drag force, and reducing the effective flying range due to multiple protrusions on the aircraft's fuselage, as they cannot integrate pressure, temperature, and angle of attack probes in a single compact and robust assembly.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction air data sensor that integrates static air pressure, total air pressure, total air temperature, and angle of attack measurements in a single compact assembly using three pressure transducers and an analog processor, eliminating the need for multiple sensors by calculating parameters like Mach number and air speed without moving parts, and communicating digitally or replacing the air data system computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analog sensors are used to measure pressure, temperature, and angle of attack, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (pressure, temperature, angle of attack) into a single integrated air data sensor assembly. The probe integrates multiple ports and transducers (three pressure transducers and temperature sensor) within one structure, eliminating the need for separate analog sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The air data sensor is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs pressure measurement (via three pressure transducers at different ports), temperature measurement (via temperature sensor), and angle of attack calculation (via pressure differential analysis). This universal sensor replaces multiple single-function analog sensors, reducing device complexity while expanding measurement capabilities
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed on the aircraft fuselage, then measurement accuracy is improved, but drag force increases due to multiple protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple measurement functions into a single probe assembly with multiple ports (total pressure port, static pressure port, differential pressure ports) and sensors integrated within one structure. This single protrusion replaces multiple separate sensor installations, maintaining measurement accuracy through multiple measurement points while significantly reducing the number of fuselage protrusions and associated drag force
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analog sensors and integration systems are used, then measurement capability is improved, but weight and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates three pressure transducers, a temperature sensor, and signal processing electronics within a single compact probe assembly. This consolidated design eliminates the weight of multiple separate analog sensors, mounting hardware, and integration systems while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability for pressure, temperature, and angle of attack
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical analog sensor systems with an integrated electronic sensor assembly that uses electrical signals and digital processing. The three pressure transducers and temperature sensor connect via electrical conduits to processing electronics, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, analog signal routing, and physical integration systems, thereby reducing weight
4Device complexity
If a compact single assembly is used to integrate all probes, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated air data sensor into distinct functional segments: multiple pressure ports (total pressure port, static pressure port, differential pressure ports), temperature measurement port, three pressure transducers, temperature sensor, and signal processing electronics. Each segment is designed and manufactured separately with standardized interfaces, then assembled into the final integrated probe, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden while maintaining device integration
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 reduces weight and cost, minimizes fuselage protrusions, and enhances efficiency by performing multiple measurements with fewer components, allowing for digital data export and reducing drag force, thereby improving aircraft performance.
Implementation Method 1
three pressure transducers pneumatically connected to four ports on the probe
Implementation Method 2
A temperature transducer may be positioned within the probe to measure total air temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 4
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
An air data sensor that determines a body's angle of attack, static air pressure, total air pressure, mach number, static air temperature and true air speed in one device using pressure and temperature readings. The air data sensor includes a probe that protrudes into an airflow to collect data, a base plate for attaching the probe to a body, and an electronics housing including electronics for interpreting the data collected from the probe.