Phonic Wheel Dual-Sensor Measurement for Precise Axial Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing accurate and reliable positional feedback of pitch-adjustable propeller blades in aircraft is challenging due to limited space on aircraft engines.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a phonic wheel with inclined and reference teeth, each sensed by differently oriented sensors, generates feedback signals used by a computer to determine the axial position, allowing for precise control of the propeller blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a feedback system for pitch-adjustable propeller blades is implemented, then accurate angular position feedback is achieved, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system is segmented into two independent sensing paths: one for rotational position (perpendicular sensor) and one for axial position (inclined sensor). This segmentation allows each sensor to focus on a specific measurement function, reducing the complexity of any single sensing mechanism while maintaining overall system accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring only rotational angle to measuring both rotational angle and axial position by introducing an inclined sensor that responds to axial displacement. This adds a new dimensional measurement capability without requiring a complete redesign of the feedback system.
2Measurement precision
If accurate axial position measurement is added to the feedback system, then blade pitch control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined sensor is positioned at a specific location and oriented at a specific angle to detect axial position changes. This localized, specialized sensing approach measures axial displacement with high precision without requiring complex system-wide changes. The sensor's inclined orientation creates a geometric relationship that converts axial motion into detectable signal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system uses asymmetric sensor orientations: one sensor is perpendicular to the rotation axis for angular measurement, while the other is inclined at an angle for axial position measurement. This asymmetric configuration allows each sensor to optimize its measurement function independently, improving overall measurement precision without requiring symmetric, balanced system design.
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 system provides accurate feedback on the angular position of the propeller blades, ensuring they do not transition into excessively low or reverse angles, enhancing control and safety.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a variation in the first magnetic field caused by movement of the first tooth in the first magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
detecting a variation in the second magnetic field caused by movement of the second tooth in the second magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring an axial position of a phonic wheel or other rotating component are provided. The system includes a phonic wheel rotatable about a rotation axis and translatable along the rotation axis, a first sensor, a second sensor and a computer. The phonic wheel includes an inclined tooth having an axially non-uniform radial height and a reference tooth having an axially uniform radial height. The first sensor generates a positioning signal indicative of a gap between the inclined tooth and the first sensor. The second sensor generates a reference signal indicative of a gap between the reference tooth and the reference sensor. The first and second sensors have different orientations. The computer generates an output indicative of the axial position of the phonic wheel based on the positioning signal and the reference signal.