Optical Ice Sensor Using Total Internal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical ice detection methods for aircraft wings are prone to false readings and require continuous maintenance, and existing optical sensors need to be integrated into the wing surface, which can compromise its structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A sensor that uses total internal reflection (TIR) to determine the refractive index of materials by configuring the incident light beam to change direction at the interface between the sensor and the material, allowing for non-invasive measurement of ice accumulation without modifying the wing surface, using an optically transparent body with a light delivery source and receiver to monitor reflected light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are mounted flush with the aircraft surface to detect ice accumulation, then detection accuracy is improved, but structural integrity of the wing component is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optically transparent body as an intermediary element that couples the optical sensor to the aircraft surface without requiring direct mounting in the surface. This transparent body allows optical signals to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity of the wing component, thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mounting approach (drilling and fastening sensors directly into the wing surface) with an optical coupling approach using a transparent body. This substitution eliminates the need for structural modifications while maintaining optical signal transmission, thereby preserving structural integrity while enabling accurate ice detection
2Ease of operation
If electrical or electro-mechanical approaches are used for ice detection, then detection capability is achieved, but false readings increase and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical and electro-mechanical detection methods with an optical detection system. The optical sensor uses light transmission through the transparent body to detect ice accumulation, eliminating the false readings and maintenance issues associated with electrical conductivity monitoring and vibrating element methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical properties (conductivity, vibration frequency) to optical properties (light transmission, refraction index). This parameter change enables reliable ice detection without the false readings and maintenance requirements of electrical approaches, as optical signals are not affected by the same environmental factors
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
Enables accurate detection of ice accumulation on aircraft wings without structural modifications, providing a rugged and reliable solution for harsh environments, and can be applied to measure any material with a different refractive index in fluid environments.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention simplifies the determination of the change in direction of the incident beam by configuring the sensor to either reflect or transmit the beam at the sensor's interface depending on what material is contacting the sensor's interface
Implementation Method 2
The present invention is based on an incident light beam changing direction at an interface of a sensor and the materials being measured due to the differences in the refractive indexes of the materials
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for detecting the level of accumulation of a material along an axis in a fluid environment, the sensor comprising (a) an optically transparent body having a third refractive index and an exposed surface defining a length extending at least partially in the direction of the axis; (b) at least one light delivery source for delivering light to the body such that the light is distributed along the length of the exposed surface; and at least one light receiver for receiving reflected light from the length of the exposed surface, wherein the amount of the reflected light depends on the level of the material accumulated along the length of the exposed surface.