Speed Sensor Module Insert Cover for Aircraft Air Cycle Ducting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft environmental control systems face complex installation processes due to the placement of speed sensors within air cycle ducting and housings, requiring intricate setups and potential additional drilling for sensor installation.
Innovation Solution
A speed sensor module with a selectively removable elongated insert cover portion that can be coupled to an air foil, simplifying the assembly by eliminating the need for additional holes and facilitating easier installation of the speed sensor, featuring a cylindrical shape with orthogonal portions and airfoils for alignment and airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the speed sensor is installed within the air cycle ducting and housings, then the rotational speed of the shaft can be measured, but the installation process becomes complex and requires additional drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The speed sensor is nested within the air foil structure, which itself is integrated into the air cycle machine housing. The sensor housing is positioned within the air foil's internal cavity, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations and reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The speed sensor module is merged with the air foil structure, combining the sensing function with the existing air cycle machine component. This integration allows the sensor to be installed as part of the air foil assembly rather than as a separate addition to the ducting and housings
2Ease of manufacture
If additional holes are drilled for sensor installation, then the speed sensor can be mounted, but the structural integrity and sealing of the air cycle machine may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The speed sensor housing is pre-positioned within the air foil structure during the air foil manufacturing process. The mounting features and seal paths are prepared in advance as part of the air foil fabrication, eliminating the need for post-assembly drilling and sealing operations that could compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The speed sensor is nested within the air foil's internal cavity, utilizing the existing structural boundaries of the air foil as the sensor housing. This eliminates the need for additional holes through the air cycle machine housing, preserving structural integrity and sealing while enabling sensor installation
Data Source
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AI summary
An insert cover, 201, for a speed sensor module, 105, includes an elongated body, 400, having a length aligned along a longitudinal axis, the elongated body including a convex top surface and a uniform width along the length; a first portion, 408, emanating from the top surface at a first end of the elongated body; a second portion, 410, emanating from the top surface at a diametrically opposed second end of the elongated body; and a third portion, 412, emanating from the top surface between the first portion and the second portion; where each of the first, second, and third portions are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.