Non-Contact Temperature Sensor for Drive Train Lubrication Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring lubrication in aircraft drive trains are prone to misdiagnosis due to false temperature and pressure signals caused by lubricant leakage, leading to potential catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising lubricant pressure, volume, and non-contact temperature sensors, along with a logic management system that processes these signals to provide accurate temperature data to the flight crew, preventing misdiagnosis by distinguishing between lubricant contact and non-contact temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact temperature sensors are used to monitor lubrication, then temperature detection is simple, but false readings occur due to lubricant leakage causing misdiagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-contact temperature sensor as an intermediary measurement device that detects temperature through thermal radiation without requiring direct contact with the lubricant. This mediator approach allows accurate temperature monitoring of drive train components without being affected by lubricant leakage, resolving the contradiction between simple contact measurement and reliable diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based temperature sensing system with a non-contact optical/infrared sensing system. By substituting the mechanical contact method with a field-based detection method, the system eliminates the problem of false readings caused by lubricant leakage while maintaining temperature monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to improve monitoring accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a non-contact temperature sensor as an intermediary that provides accurate temperature measurement without requiring physical contact with the lubricant system. This single sensor type can replace multiple contact sensors, achieving monitoring accuracy while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-contact temperature sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors component temperature, detects lubrication status, and provides diagnostic information without being affected by lubricant conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized sensors, simplifying the overall monitoring system.
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 system ensures accurate temperature readings, allowing for timely corrective action to prevent gearbox failure and enhancing aircraft safety during lubricant loss events.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact temperature sensor operable to detect a temperature of the drive train and configured to provide a non-contact temperature signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring lubrication of a drive train, including a lubricant pressure sensor to detect a pressure of the lubricant in the drive train and to provide a lubricant pressure signal; lubricant volume sensor to detect a volume of the lubricant in the drive train and to provide a lubricant volume signal; non-contact temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the drive train and to provide a non-contact temperature signal; and logic management system in communication with the lubricant pressure sensor, the lubricant volume sensor, and the non-contact temperature sensor; the logic management system configured to receive and process the lubricant pressure signal, the lubricant volume signal, and the non-contact temperature signal; wherein when the lubricant pressure signal reaches a predetermined minimum pressure level and the lubricant volume signal reaches a predetermined minimum volume level, the logic management system displays non-contact temperature measurement data to a display device.