Solid-State Airspeed Sensing Using Charged Particle Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft speed sensors are prone to damage, failure, and unreliable readings due to environmental factors such as icing and turbulence, necessitating the need for redundant and robust speed measurement systems.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state speed sensor system utilizing emitter and collector electrodes to generate and detect charged particles in ambient airflow, measuring the duration between a voltage pulse and current to estimate vehicle speed, eliminating mechanical components and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical speed sensors are used in aircraft, then speed measurement can be achieved, but the sensors are prone to damage and failure due to environmental factors such as icing and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical speed sensors with a solid-state sensor system that uses electrical fields and charged particles to measure aircraft speed. The system employs an emitter electrode to generate charged particles and a collector electrode to detect them, eliminating mechanical components that are susceptible to icing and turbulence damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the sensor system by using variable voltage pulses applied to the emitter electrode. The voltage pulse duration and magnitude are adjusted based on aircraft speed, allowing the sensor to adapt to different flight conditions and maintain reliability across varying environmental parameters.
2Reliability
If redundant speed sensors are installed to ensure accurate flight data, then safety margins are increased, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-state sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in various flight conditions (takeoff, cruise, landing), withstand different environmental factors (icing, turbulence), and provide redundant measurement capability through its solid-state architecture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system includes self-diagnostic capabilities where the solid-state components can detect and report their own status. The system automatically adjusts its operation based on detected conditions, reducing the need for external monitoring and manual maintenance intervention.
3Productivity
If traditional sensors operate in adverse weather conditions such as icing, then speed data may be obtained, but reading reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical sensing elements with solid-state electrodes, the system eliminates components that can be obscured or damaged by ice accumulation. The electrical field-based measurement method continues to function reliably in icing conditions where mechanical sensors would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system operates using electrical fields and charged particles that are not affected by the presence of ice or other environmental contaminants. The measurement process occurs in an electrically controlled environment that is immune to the harmful effects of adverse weather conditions.
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 provides accurate and reliable speed measurements with reduced vulnerability to environmental factors, enabling efficient and maintainable speed estimation with minimal error rates.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter electrode is configured to generate charged particles proximate the emitter electrode via a voltage pulse
Implementation Method 2
The collector electrode is configured to detect a current associated with a flow of the charged particles during movement of the aircraft through an atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
The one or more processors are configured to measure a duration between the voltage pulse and the current, and wherein the duration is indicative of a speed of the aircraft
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor (102) includes an emitter electrode (106) configured to be disposed at a first position (107) and exposed to a fluid airflow. The emitter electrode (106) is configured to generate charged particles proximate the emitter electrode via a voltage pulse. The sensor (102) includes a collector electrode (104) configured to be disposed at a second position (109) and exposed to the fluid airflow. The second position (109) is aft of the first position (107). The collector electrode (104) is configured to detect a current associated with a flow of the charged particles during relative movement of the fluid airflow. The sensor (102) includes one or more processors (110) coupled to the emitter electrode (106) and the collector electrode (104), wherein the one or more processors (110) are configured to measure a duration between the voltage pulse and the current, and wherein the duration is indicative of a speed of a vehicle.