Aircraft Static Test Adapter Using Biasing Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pitot-static system testing methods require complex and costly equipment installation on aircraft, often necessitating threaded holes or unreliable suction systems, which complicate the testing process and are not easily adaptable for multiple static vents.
Innovation Solution
A novel static test adapter assembly featuring a static test head mounted on a biasing arm that can be ground-supported, allowing for easy positioning and secure sealing with the aircraft body, eliminating the need for special aircraft configuration and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded holes are designed into the aircraft for test equipment installation, then the test equipment can be securely fastened to the aircraft body, but the aircraft structure becomes more complex and requires additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The test adapter is divided into separate components: a mounting interface that interfaces with the aircraft static vent, a sealing mechanism, and a test port interface. This segmentation allows the adapter to be installed without modifying the aircraft structure, eliminating the need for threaded holes while maintaining secure attachment through the existing static vent opening
Solution Approach 2:
The test adapter serves as an intermediary device between the aircraft static vent and the test equipment. It includes a mounting interface that couples to the static vent and a test port interface that connects to pressure testing equipment, thereby eliminating the need for direct structural modifications to the aircraft while enabling reliable pressure testing
2Device complexity
If suction systems are used to hold test equipment against the aircraft body, then the equipment can be attached without threaded holes, but the system becomes expensive to manufacture and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a dedicated mounting interface with sealing elements as a distinct component from the attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows the use of simple mechanical retention features within the adapter itself, providing reliable attachment without requiring complex suction systems or structural modifications to the aircraft
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to be self-retaining through its internal structure, using features such as friction-fit interfaces or simple mechanical interlocks between the adapter components. This self-service attachment mechanism eliminates the need for external suction systems, threaded holes, or other complex fastening methods
3Reliability
If complex installation procedures are used to create sealed passages, then reliable pressure testing can be achieved, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter includes pre-configured sealing elements and alignment features that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. The sealing surfaces and mating interfaces are precisely formed during adapter production, allowing for quick installation without requiring complex field assembly procedures or time-consuming sealing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as a pre-fabricated intermediary component that includes integrated sealing mechanisms. By incorporating the sealing function into the adapter itself rather than requiring separate sealing operations during installation, the system achieves reliable sealed passages through a simple plug-and-play installation process
4Measurement precision
If special aircraft configuration is required for testing, then accurate pressure simulation can be achieved, but the testing process becomes costly and less adaptable for multiple static vents
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a universal mounting interface that can interface with any standard aircraft static vent configuration. The adapter design includes standardized connection features and sealing mechanisms that work across different aircraft types and static vent locations, enabling the same adapter to be used for testing multiple static vents without requiring aircraft-specific modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter creates a standardized test interface that replicates the function of the static vent without requiring the actual static vent structure. By copying the pressure sensing function through a standardized adapter interface, the system achieves accurate pressure simulation while maintaining adaptability across different aircraft configurations
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 enables quick and easy installation and removal of static test equipment, providing accurate pressure simulations without the need for complex or costly modifications to the aircraft, facilitating efficient and reliable pitot-static system testing.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing arm for transmitting a biasing force to the static test head
Implementation Method 2
a seal in continuous contact with the static test head around the static test opening, the seal being adapted for pressing against an aircraft body around the aircraft static port to create a sealed passage
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft static test adapter assembly comprising a static test head for performing testing at an aircraft static port on an aircraft body. The static test head is biased, and optionally supported by a biasing member extending in use from the static test head to the ground. A biasing mechanism provides a biasing force to the biasing member which is transferred by the biasing member to the static test head such that it is held in place. Abstract not intended to be limiting.