Icing Resistant Total Air Temperature Probe with Notched Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Total air temperature (TAT) probes are susceptible to icing, which can lead to inaccurate measurements due to ice accumulation, and existing heating methods are inefficient and complex, requiring excessive electrical power.
Innovation Solution
A TAT probe design featuring a notched intake port with a conductive thermal path and a heating element that simplifies heating distribution, preventing ice accumulation by creating a vortex to direct airflow and melt ice, while a weep hole and air ejector ensure ice-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical TAT probe with a leading edge air scoop is used, then the probe can collect air samples for temperature measurement, but ice particles enter and accumulate inside the probe causing clogging and measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a streamlined outer shell that directs airflow, a separate heating element system with thermal conduction paths, and an internal sensing chamber. The intake geometry is segmented with leading edge contours that separate ice particles from the measurement airflow path, allowing ice to bypass while directing clean air to the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element applies thermal energy in advance to the probe surface and internal passages before ice accumulation can occur. The thermal conduction path pre-heats the intake region, causing incoming ice particles to melt or slide off before reaching critical accumulation zones, preventing clogging proactively rather than reactively.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heating is applied to melt ice crystals on the probe, then ice accumulation is reduced, but the resulting water may flow further within the probe and re-freeze, and probe surface wetting creates regions where new ice crystals are more likely to stick
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system provides non-uniform thermal distribution with higher heat flux at the leading edge and intake regions where ice accumulation is most problematic, gradually decreasing toward the rear. This localized heating strategy melts ice at critical points while maintaining a temperature gradient that promotes continuous water flow toward warmer rear sections, preventing re-freezing in the measurement zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element transforms the potentially harmful effect of melted water (which could re-freeze and cause clogging) into a beneficial continuous flow that prevents ice accumulation. By maintaining the probe surface temperature above freezing at critical locations, the system ensures that melted water remains in liquid form and flows continuously past the sensor, converting a potential hazard into a protective mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex surface features are added to the probe to prevent ice accumulation, then ice resistance may improve, but the structures become difficult to heat or require exorbitant electrical power to remain heated
Solution Approach 1:
The probe employs smooth curved surfaces and streamlined contours rather than complex angular features. The rounded leading edge and tapered body shape naturally deflect ice particles and promote airflow attachment, reducing ice accumulation through geometric design alone. These smooth surfaces also have superior thermal conduction characteristics and lower surface area-to-volume ratios, reducing the power required to maintain heating.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe is heated to high temperatures to prevent ice accumulation, then ice resistance improves, but excessive electrical power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system operates by dynamically adjusting the temperature parameter based on environmental conditions such as ambient temperature, aircraft speed, and detected ice accumulation levels. Rather than maintaining a constant high temperature, the system uses feedback control to apply minimal necessary heat, transitioning between heating states to prevent ice formation with optimal energy efficiency.
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 design effectively prevents ice buildup, maintains accurate TAT measurements by ensuring the probe remains ice-free, and reduces electrical power requirements through efficient heating and airflow management.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element; wherein the probe body provides a conductive thermal path from the heating element to the notched intake port
Implementation Method 2
the probe body provides a conductive thermal path from the heating element to the notched intake port
Implementation Method 3
preventing ice accumulation by creating a vortex to direct airflow and melt ice
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for icing resistant total air temperature probes are provided. In one embodiment, a total air temperature data probe comprises: a probe base; a probe body comprising: a first interior airflow passage comprising a first annulus; a temperature sensor positioned within the first annulus; a heating element; a notched intake port positioned at a distal end, wherein the probe body provides a conductive thermal path from the heating element to the intake port, the intake port including an open channel extending inward into an intake aperture of the probe body, and a cutaway region that defines a recessed second face inset from the first face and exposes the open channel at least partially from the leading edge. The notched intake port further comprises a slot inset from the recessed second face that traverses across at least a portion of the intake aperture perpendicularly to the open channel.