Removable Patched Leading Edge for Pressure Measuring Rake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure measuring tools for aircraft turbojet engines are difficult to assemble and install, leading to laborious and expensive test phases, and often require adhesive bonding which can result in orifice blockages or air leaks.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measuring rake with a removable patched leading edge that allows easy access to the electronic circuit, eliminating the need for adhesive bonding and enabling quick assembly and disassembly, thereby simplifying the installation and maintenance of pressure measurement tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive bonding is used to assemble the measuring tool, then the structure is sealed, but the assembly cannot be dismounted and adhesive injection is difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoiddismountability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring tool is divided into separate modular components (leading edge, body, electronic circuit, sensors) that can be assembled and disassembled independently. The leading edge can be removed to access the electronic circuit for sensor replacement or repair, while maintaining sealed cavities during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A removable cover or access mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the leading edge and the electronic circuit. This allows controlled access to the electronic components without compromising the overall sealing of the measuring tool during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If adhesive bonding is used to assemble the measuring tool, then the structure is sealed, but adhesive injection dosage is difficult to control causing blockages or leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidassembly control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive bonding system is replaced with a mechanical fastening system (screws, clips, or interlocking mechanisms). This eliminates the need for adhesive injection entirely, providing precise control over assembly and disassembly while maintaining reliable sealing through mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive bonding process is extracted and removed from the assembly system. The measuring tool is designed to be assembled and sealed using mechanical connections that do not require adhesive injection, thereby eliminating dosage control issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the electronic circuit is permanently sealed, then the structure is protected, but access for sensor replacement is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection qualityVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic circuit housing is segmented into removable sections. The leading edge portion can be detached to expose the electronic circuit and sensors, allowing easy access for maintenance while the remaining structure maintains its protective sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing structure transitions from a static permanent seal to a dynamic sealed system. The leading edge and electronic circuit housing are designed with movable or removable connections that maintain sealing when assembled but allow access when disassembled for sensor replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for rapid and simple assembly of pressure measuring tools, reduces the risk of assembly errors such as leaks or blockages, and facilitates easy maintenance and replacement of sensors, thereby improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of engine testing.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of air intakes distributed over a length of the patched leading edge, each of the air intakes forming a fluidic passage between the outer face and the inner face of the patched leading edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS12292349B2Pressure measuring rake comprising a patched leading edge, in particular for an engine of an aircraft, and more particularly for a bypass turbojet engine

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 AIRBUS (SAS)

AI summary

A measuring rake, configured to be arranged on a link rod, includes a sheath including a front face and two side walls delimiting between them a recess configured to receive the link rod, an electronic circuit arranged on the front face of the sheath and including at least one sensor, a patched leading edge fixed removably to the sheath, and a seal arranged between the patched leading edge and the electronic circuit, the patched leading edge including a plurality of air intakes, each forming a fluidic passage between an outer face and an inner face of the patched leading edge opening out facing at least one sensor of the electronic circuit, the measuring rake making it possible to obtain a measuring tool which can be assembled simply and quickly, with easy access to the electronic circuit, and making it possible to avoid problems of orifice blockages or air leaks.