Supply tube for sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debris flowing through the outlet of cabin air compressors in aircraft environmental control systems can negatively affect the accuracy of pressure sensors, leading to inconsistent and unreliable pressure measurements.
Innovation Solution
A J-shaped sensor supply tube assembly is implemented with a reverse facing opening that filters debris from the main airflow, preventing it from entering the pressure sensing port, thereby reducing particulate concentration and ensuring consistent pressure measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is mounted within a sensor port at the CAC outlet to measure fluid pressures, then pressure measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to debris flowing through the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor supply tube is divided into multiple sections: a main body portion extending from the sensor port, a curved portion forming a J-shape, and an open end positioned in the main flowpath. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones that separate the sensor protection function from the pressure sensing function, allowing debris to be directed away from the sensor inlet while maintaining pressure measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the sensor inlet directly in the main flowpath where debris flows, the sensor supply tube is configured with its open end facing away from the sensor port and extending into the flowpath. This inverted configuration uses the tube itself as a filter, allowing pressure transmission while blocking debris from reaching the sensor inlet.
2Reliability
If the sensor supply tube is positioned to access the main flowpath for accurate pressure sensing, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to debris entering the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor supply tube acts as an intermediary element between the main flowpath and the pressure sensor. It transmits pressure information from the flowpath to the sensor while simultaneously filtering out debris through its J-shaped configuration, which directs debris downstream away from the sensor inlet.
3Measurement precision
If a traditional straight supply tube is used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to filter debris
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor supply tube incorporates a curved portion that forms a J-shape configuration. This curvature is strategically positioned to intercept and redirect debris flow away from the sensor inlet while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece tube structure, balancing complexity with filtering effectiveness.
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 a reliable and consistent method for measuring cabin air compressor outlet pressures by effectively filtering debris and ensuring a cleaner flow of air to the pressure sensor, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of pressure measurements.
Implementation Method 1
debris, dirt, etc. is transported downstream with a main airflow and cannot easily flow in a reverse direction into the pressure sensing port due to particle momentum in the flow field
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor supply tube assembly (150) is provided for disposition within a compressor outlet (120) through which a main flowpath (121) is defined and a sensor port (130) transversely coupled to the compressor outlet (120). The sensor supply tube assembly (150) includes first and second tubes (160, 170). The first tube (160) is formed to direct main flowpath fluid from the compressor outlet (120) and through a portion of the sensor port (130) and includes first and second ends (161, 162) disposed within the sensor port (130) and the compressor outlet (120), respectively, and a curved section (163) interposed between the first and second ends (161, 162). The second tube (170) includes a sleeve (171) tightly fittable between the first end (161) and the sensor port (130) and a base (172). The base (172) has an exterior surface (173) from which the sleeve (171) extends and which is disposed and configured to non-rotatably abut with an interior surface of the compressor outlet (120).