PDU Sensor Self-Test via Microprism Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing the functional condition of an infrared (IR) sensor in a PDU is challenging after it is installed in the control assembly, due to the complexity of the system and the difficulty in accessing the sensors.
Innovation Solution
A PDU infrared sensor system that includes a housing with a microprism and infrared light emitter and photoreceptor, which allows for the emission and reception of electromagnetic waves, and a microcontroller to set threshold voltage values and determine sensor failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the infrared sensor is installed in the PDU control assembly, then the sensor can monitor cargo loading conditions, but testing the sensor's functional condition becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-testing by using its own infrared emitter and photoreceptor to generate and detect test signals. The microcontroller automatically controls the emitter to send infrared signals through the optical prism and measures the reflected signals to determine if the sensor components are functioning properly, eliminating the need for external testing equipment or disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical prism serves as an intermediary element that enables the infrared emitter and photoreceptor to communicate with each other for self-testing. The prism reflects infrared signals from the emitter back to the photoreceptor, creating a closed test loop that allows functional verification without external intervention.
2Device complexity
If the sensor components are integrated in the housing, then the structure is compact, but accessing individual components for testing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor components perform self-diagnostics by using the optical prism to reflect infrared test signals from the emitter back to the photoreceptor. The microcontroller analyzes the returned signals to automatically determine component functionality, eliminating the need to disassemble the housing for testing or repair assessments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal sensing operation and self-test mode. During self-test, the microcontroller controls the emitter to send test signals through the optical prism and measures the reflected signals, allowing functional verification of integrated components without physical access.
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 continuous monitoring of the sensor's functional condition, allowing for timely detection of failures and reducing the need for costly repairs, while ensuring flight safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the microprism may be configured to refract the first electromagnetic wave emitted from the infrared light emitter
Implementation Method 2
the infrared light photoreceptor may be configured to convert the first electromagnetic wave received by the infrared light photoreceptor into a first voltage measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor in an aircraft cargo handling system may comprise a housing, an infrared light emitter, an infrared light photoreceptor, and a microprism. The sensor may be configured to detect an object in proximity to the sensor using electromagnetic waves and voltage measurements. The sensor may include a microcontroller configured to read the voltage measurements associated with infrared electromagnetic waves, compare the voltage measurements to a threshold voltage, and determine the functional condition of the sensor based on the comparison.