Optical Fuel Tank Sensor Testing via Data Concentrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for testing fuel tank sensors in aircraft are time-consuming and disruptive to the manufacturing process, as they require accessing the fuel tank system after avionics installation and involve complex procedures for troubleshooting and repair.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for testing optical sensors in a fuel tank using an optical data concentrator connected via optical fibers, which sends optical signals to the sensors and receives test data for analysis, allowing for early detection of nonconformances during aircraft manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical capacitive sensors are used in fuel tanks and tested after avionics installation, then the sensors can provide fuel quantity data, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and disruptive to manufacturing flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by testing optical sensors during the manufacturing phase before avionics installation and before the fuel tank is sealed. This allows detection of sensor nonconformances early in the process, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-installation testing and reducing disruption to manufacturing flow while maintaining testing reliability
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If access panels are removed to access fuel sensors for troubleshooting, then nonconformances can be identified, but time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables nonconformance detection during the manufacturing phase before the fuel tank is sealed and before access panels are installed. This preliminary testing allows identification of sensor issues while the tank is still accessible, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-installation access and troubleshooting procedures
3Reliability
If testing is performed after avionics installation, then complete system integration is achieved, but manufacturing disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs optical sensor testing during the manufacturing phase before avionics installation and before the fuel tank is sealed. This preliminary action allows detection of sensor nonconformances early, and the system can be configured to continue operating with replaced sensors, thereby maintaining system integration reliability while minimizing manufacturing disruption time
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 approach reduces the time and effort required for testing fuel tank systems by enabling early detection of nonconformances, thus minimizing disruptions to the manufacturing flow and improving overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the optical data concentrator sends optical signals to optical sensors installed in the fuel tank through optical fibers connecting the optical data concentrator to the optical sensors inside the fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for testing a fuel tank for an aircraft. Electrical power is sent to an optical data concentrator for the fuel tank for the aircraft from a power supply such that the optical data concentrator sends optical signals to optical sensors inside the fuel tank through optical fibers connecting the optical data concentrator to the optical sensors. The electrical power is sent during a phase of manufacturing of the aircraft. Test data is received from the optical data concentrator by a computer system. The test data is based on optical response signals received from the optical sensors. A determination of states for the optical sensors is made by the computer system using the test data. A graphical indication of the states determined for the optical sensors inside the fuel tank is displayed by the computer system in a graphical user interface on a display system.