Painted Ice Detection Traces for Low-Observable Aircraft Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice detection systems for aircraft, particularly those with low radar observability, suffer from increased radar signatures due to conductive probes and lead wires, and are unable to effectively detect ice on complex curvature surfaces without increasing the radar cross-section.

Innovation Solution

The use of conductive paint or ink to form conductive traces on aircraft surfaces, allowing for direct application on complex curvatures while maintaining low observability, by measuring impedance changes between traces to detect ice accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If capacitance probes with conductive electrodes are mounted on the external surface to detect ice accumulation, then ice detection capability is improved, but radar cross-section increases due to the conductive probes and lead wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice detection capabilityVSAvoidradar cross-section

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the conductive probe elements and lead wires from the ice detection system, extracting the harmful radar-reflecting components while retaining the ice detection function through a non-conductive paint coating that detects ice through dielectric property changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/conductive probe system with a dielectric-based detection system using non-conductive paint, substituting the physical conductive elements with a coating that detects ice through electrical property changes without creating radar signatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional conductive probes are used to detect ice on complex curvature surfaces, then detection accuracy is improved, but the system cannot effectively conform to complex surfaces without increasing radar visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice detection accuracyVSAvoidradar visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and electrical properties of the detection medium by using non-conductive paint with specific dielectric properties, allowing the sensor to conform to complex curvature surfaces while maintaining low radar observability through the insulating coating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effective ice detection on low-observable aircraft surfaces with complex curvatures without increasing radar visibility, providing timely detection and reducing the risk of ice-related accidents.

Implementation Method 1

a circuit configured to measure the impedance between the first and second parallel ink or paint conductive traces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20260062129A1Method and System for Ice Detection

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A system including an apparatus for determining the presence of ice on an external surface of a structure is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor that includes first and second parallel ink or paint conductive traces separated by a gap. The apparatus also includes a circuit configured to measure the impedance or change in impedance between the first and second parallel ink or paint conductive traces.