Angle-of-Attack Sensor Self-Diagnostics for Impact and Lightning Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional angle of attack sensors lack effective methods to detect damage from impact or lightning strikes without relying on redundant data, which can lead to incorrect identification of healthy sensors as faulty during multiple failures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronics module within the sensor or air data system that analyzes signals from the angle of attack sensor to detect damage by comparing signal outputs with stored criteria, using position, acceleration, and current analysis to identify vane shear, impacts, and lightning strikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant angle of attack sensors are used for fault detection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and may lead to incorrect fault isolation during multiple failures
Solution Approach 1:
The angle of attack sensor performs self-diagnostics by monitoring its own operational parameters (resolver signals, heater current, vane position) to detect damage conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for redundant sensors while maintaining reliable fault detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/redundant sensor system with an electronic monitoring system that uses signal analysis and parameter comparison to detect faults. The electronics module substitutes physical redundancy with intelligent signal processing and damage criterion comparison.
2Measurement precision
If built-in test functionality is added to detect sensor faults, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and it cannot detect impact or lightning strike damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics module performs multiple functions: monitoring resolver signals, evaluating heater current, tracking vane position, and comparing against damage criteria. This multi-functional approach consolidates various test capabilities into a single integrated system rather than adding separate dedicated sensors or systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects damage by monitoring changes in operational parameters (signal integrity, current draw, position deviations) and comparing them against predefined damage criteria. This parameter-based detection approach enables comprehensive fault detection without requiring physical redundancy or complex mechanical test mechanisms.
3Reliability
If conventional validation algorithms are used to compare redundant sensor data, then reliability is maintained for single failures, but productivity decreases due to inability to quickly identify faulty sensors during multiple failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor parameters and compares them against damage criteria in advance, maintaining a readiness state that enables immediate fault identification. This preliminary monitoring action eliminates the need for time-consuming post-failure analysis and enables rapid fault isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics module provides continuous feedback on sensor health status by comparing operational parameters against damage criteria. This real-time feedback mechanism enables immediate identification of faulty sensors, improving both reliability and the speed of fault response compared to conventional periodic validation algorithms.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An angle of attack sensor includes a mounting plate (68); a vane (12) supported from the mounting plate and extending from a first side of the mounting plate, wherein the vane is rotatable about a vane axis; a housing (36) extending from a second side of the mounting plate in a direction opposite to the vane; a resolver (64) coupled to the vane; and an electronics module (72) mounted within the housing, the electronics module comprising: at least one processor (88); a communication device (92); and computer-readable memory (90), encoded with instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronics module to: receive, from the resolver, a signal indicative of an angular position of the vane about the vane axis; compare the signal to a first damage criterion; and output, using the communication device, a first fault signal to a consuming system of an aircraft that is indicative of a damage event based on a comparison of the signal to the first damage criterion..