Pressure Measurement Device Feedback Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pressure measurement devices such as Pitot probes and static ports often fail due to obstructions like mud, condensation, debris, and human error, which are difficult to detect visually, leading to inaccurate flight data.

Innovation Solution

A feedback protection system using a transmitter and receiver to send and receive signals through the pressure measurement device, calculating propagation time and signal strength to determine if an obstruction is present, and issuing alerts for obstruction detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual inspection is used to detect obstructions, then the inspection process is simple and quick, but obstructions inside the pressure measurement device cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection processVSAvoidobstruction detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection system with an optical detection system using light transmitters and receivers. Light beams are sent through the pressure measurement device airway, and any obstruction that blocks or attenuates the light is detected by the receiver, enabling internal obstruction detection that visual inspection cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to detect obstructions. The light transmitter sends light through the airway, and the light receiver detects the light that passes through or is blocked by obstructions, providing indirect detection capability for internal blockages without requiring direct visual access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If protective caps are used to prevent obstructions, then human error is reduced, but the caps may be forgotten to be removed before service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against human errorVSAvoidprotection cap management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where the obstruction detection device continuously monitors the airway and provides real-time feedback about obstructions. This feedback mechanism replaces the need for manual cap management by automatically detecting and alerting to the presence of obstructions, eliminating the forgetfulness issue associated with protective caps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The obstruction detection system provides self-service by automatically monitoring and detecting obstructions without requiring human intervention for cap placement or removal. The system serves itself by continuously checking the airway status and providing alerts, reducing reliance on human memory and procedure compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the pressure measurement device operates in harsh environments, then flight data collection is continuous, but obstructions from mud, condensation, and debris occur frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight data collection continuityVSAvoidenvironmental obstructions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing obstruction detection before the obstructions can significantly impact flight data accuracy. The continuous monitoring detects obstructions early in their formation or when they first occur, allowing for timely response before they cause measurement failures or require device shutdown for inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing continuous obstruction monitoring that operates throughout the entire flight duration. The light transmitter and receiver continuously check for obstructions, maintaining uninterrupted detection capability that matches the continuous nature of flight data collection, preventing gaps in monitoring during harsh environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 effectively detects and reports obstructions within pressure measurement devices, ensuring accurate flight data by identifying and alerting pilots or air data computers of potential obstructions, thereby preventing device failure.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter inside a pressure measurement device transmits a transmission signal directly or indirectly toward an ambient opening of the pressure measurement device. A reflection of the transmission signal is then received at a receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal transmission and reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7764570B2Feedback protection of pressure measurement devices

Publication Date: 2010.07.27 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for feedback protection of pressure measurement devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transmitter inside a pressure measurement device transmits a transmission signal directly or indirectly toward an ambient opening of the pressure measurement device. A reflection of the transmission signal is then received at a receiver and data associated with the transmission signal and the reflection of the transmission signal are examined to determine if an obstruction exists in the pressure measurement device.