SAW Sensor for Aircraft Wheel Brake Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current temperature monitoring systems for aircraft wheel brakes lack effective solutions to withstand harsh environments and accurately measure high temperatures, leading to potential overheating issues.

Innovation Solution

A temperature sensing device utilizing a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor element and antenna, hermetically sealed with ceramic package layers, designed to withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations, wirelessly transmitting temperature data for real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional temperature sensors are used in aircraft wheel brakes, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but the sensors cannot withstand harsh environments and high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor reliabilityVSAvoidoperating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/thermal contact sensors with a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor that uses acoustic waves to sense temperature. This substitution allows the sensor to measure temperature wirelessly without direct thermal contact, enabling it to withstand the harsh high-temperature environment of aircraft wheel brakes while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the sensor by using SAW technology that can operate at high temperatures. The sensor is designed with specific acoustic wave frequencies and ceramic package materials that maintain functionality in extreme thermal conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between sensor reliability and high operating temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If hermetically sealed ceramic package layers are used, then the sensor can withstand harsh environments, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental resistanceVSAvoidpackage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures, specifically hermetically sealed ceramic package layers, to protect the SAW sensor. The ceramic materials provide both mechanical strength and thermal resistance, creating a protective environment that allows the sensor to withstand harsh conditions while the integrated packaging approach minimizes overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of information

If wireless transmission is implemented, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature data transmissionVSAvoidsensor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses surface acoustic wave technology to transmit temperature data wirelessly without requiring power consumption for active transmission. The SAW sensor modulates the acoustic wave properties in response to temperature changes, allowing passive wireless sensing that eliminates the need for energy-intensive communication transmitters while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides reliable, real-time temperature monitoring of aircraft wheel brakes, ensuring safe operation by withstanding harsh conditions and preventing overheating, while maintaining operational integrity in high-temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

the electronic components comprise: a surface acoustic wave, SAW, sensor element mounted to the sensing device substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Data Source

PatentUS20230168134A1Temperature sensing device for aircraft wheel brake

Publication Date: 2023.06.01 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD

AI summary

A temperature sensing device to sense aircraft wheel brake temperature is disclosed including a sensing device substrate; and one or more package layers attached to the sensing device substrate, wherein: the sensing device substrate carries one or more electronic components for sensing temperature. Also disclosed is a wireless relay device to wirelessly transmit an interrogation signal to a temperature sensing device and wirelessly receive an output signal from the temperature sensing device, the temperature sensing device to sense aircraft wheel brake temperature, the wireless relay device comprising: a relay substrate; and one or more package layers attached to the relay substrate, wherein: the relay substrate carries one or more electronic components of the wireless relay device. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a temperature sensing device to sense aircraft wheel brake temperature.