Pitot Static Duct Non-Return Valve Blockage Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air data systems in aircraft are prone to blockages in pneumatic tubing due to water or debris, leading to erroneous readings and requiring time-consuming dismantling and cleaning processes, which can be risky and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A duct system with a non-return valve and filter arrangement that allows for suction-based clearing of blockages without disassembly, using a flexible tubing with an internal diameter of less than 5 mm, and a non-return valve that opens only under sufficient pressure differential to allow filtered air to flow through and clear blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic tubing is used to connect pitot and static orifices to pressure transducers, then air pressure measurements can be transmitted to cockpit instruments, but the tubing becomes prone to blockages from water or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic tubing system is divided into separate drainable sections with high points and low points, allowing water and debris to be segmented and drained from specific locations rather than affecting the entire line. Drain traps are positioned at low points to capture and remove accumulated condensate and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-return valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the pitot-static system and the pressure transducer. This valve allows air to be pumped through the tubing to clear blockages while preventing water or debris from the environment from entering and causing new blockages during the clearing process.
2Ease of repair
If tube blockages occur, then the pitot-static system pneumatic lines must be dismantled for cleaning, but this process is time-consuming and requires air leak testing after reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning through a built-in air pumping mechanism. The non-return valve allows air to be pumped through the tubing from the pressure transducer side to clear blockages without requiring dismantling. The system serves itself by providing an integrated solution that eliminates the need for external intervention and complex reassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return valve is pre-installed in the system to prevent future blockages by stopping water and debris from entering the tubing during maintenance operations. This preliminary protective action avoids the need for subsequent dismantling and cleaning, reducing overall maintenance time and preventing recurring blockage issues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective covers are fitted over pitot-static sensors, then water, solid debris, or insects are prevented from blocking orifices or tubing, but the covers must be removed before flight
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve acts as a permanent intermediary protective device that replaces the need for removable covers. It continuously prevents water and debris from entering the tubing while requiring no removal or adjustment before flight, thus maintaining both protection and operational readiness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static protective solution (removable covers that must be taken off before flight) to a dynamic protective mechanism (the non-return valve that automatically responds to pressure changes). The valve opens to allow air flow during normal operation and closes to prevent debris entry, adapting its state based on operational conditions without requiring manual intervention.
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 clearing of blockages in small-diameter tubes without disassembly, reducing maintenance time and risk of reassembly errors, while maintaining system integrity and redundancy, and preventing further debris entry during the process.
Implementation Method 1
upon application of a suction force to the first portion at the first end, fluid flows into the first portion via the non-return valve from outside the duct, and through the first portion from the second end to the first end
Implementation Method 2
application of a suction force to the first portion at the first end
Implementation Method 3
the apparatus may further comprise a filter, the filter being connected to an inlet of the non-return valve such that fluid allowed to flow into the duct by the non-return valve is filtered by the filter
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for providing the apparatus, the apparatus including: a duct; and a non-return valve; wherein the duct has a first portion and a second portion; the first portion has a first end and a second end; the first end is open to a fluid (e.g. air); the second end is connected to the second portion such that fluid is permitted to flow between the first portion and the second portion; the non-return valve is positioned at or proximate to the second end; and the non-return valve is arranged such that, upon application of a suction force to the first portion at the first end, fluid flows into the first portion via the non-return valve from outside the duct, and through the first portion from the second end to the first end.