Rotor-Model Airspeed Determination Without Pitot Tube Dependence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airspeed measurement methods in aircraft are prone to inaccuracies due to environmental conditions such as ice formation on pitot tubes, leading to improper control inputs and potential adverse events.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a rotor model to determine airspeed based on rotor operating parameters, including blade pitch angle, shaft torque, and rotor RPM, which provides a redundant and accurate airspeed measurement independent of conventional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pitot tube methods are used for airspeed measurement, then the measurement system is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates under adverse conditions such as ice formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotor model as an intermediary computational system that processes multiple input parameters (blade pitch angle, shaft torque, rotor RPM) to derive airspeed. This mediator translates complex rotor operating data into accurate airspeed measurements without requiring direct physical interaction with adverse environmental conditions that affect conventional pitot tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors rotor performance, detects operating conditions, and determines airspeed. By making the rotor system multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated airspeed measurement equipment, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If redundant airspeed measurement methods are implemented, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges airspeed measurement functionality with the existing rotor monitoring system. By combining these functions into a unified rotor model, the system achieves redundancy and improved reliability without adding separate independent measurement systems, thus avoiding exponential growth in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor system performs self-diagnosis and self-measurement by using its own operating parameters (blade pitch angle, shaft torque, rotor RPM) to determine airspeed. This self-service capability provides reliable redundant measurement without requiring additional external measurement equipment, thereby maintaining system simplicity while enhancing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining airspeed of an aircraft that includes determining a rotor model relating a power coefficient of a propeller of the aircraft to an axial inflow velocity through the propeller as a function of a set of rotor operating parameters; determining the set of rotor operating parameters by sampling an electronic control signal associated with an electric motor actuating the propeller; computing the axial inflow velocity through the propeller based on the set of rotor operating parameters using the rotor model; and determining the airspeed based on the axial inflow velocity.