Icing Resistant Total Air Temperature Probe with Air Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Total air temperature (TAT) probes are susceptible to icing, which can lead to measurement inaccuracies and clogging due to ice accumulation, and existing heating methods are inefficient or require excessive electrical power.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a notched intake port with air jets to prevent ice ingestion and uses a heated airflow passage to maintain the probe body at a temperature that prevents ice accumulation, featuring a separate airflow path for heating and temperature measurement, ensuring accurate TAT readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a typical TAT probe with a leading edge air scoop is used, then the probe can collect air for temperature measurement, but ice particles enter and accumulate inside the probe causing clogging and measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing air to enter the probe naturally through a leading edge scoop, the invention reverses the approach by using a sealed probe body with air jets that actively blow air into the measurement chamber. This inversion prevents ice particles from entering while maintaining the air flow needed for accurate temperature measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic air jets to both prevent ice accumulation and provide the air flow for temperature measurement. Compressed air is directed through nozzles into the measurement chamber, creating a protective air curtain that repels ice particles while simultaneously providing the air whose temperature is measured.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heating elements are added to melt ice on the probe, then ice accumulation is reduced, but electrical power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal heating system (electrical heating elements) with a mechanical/pneumatic system (compressed air jets). The cold air jets physically remove ice particles through impingement and shear forces, eliminating the need for electrical heating and associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the aircraft's existing compressed air supply (bleed air from engines) to power the ice protection system. This self-service approach utilizes already-available onboard resources rather than requiring additional electrical power generation or external power sources.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe surface is heated to prevent ice, then ice crystals may melt and re-freeze further within the probe or create wet surfaces that attract new ice crystals
Solution Approach 1:
The air jets are positioned to create a protective air curtain at the probe entrance before ice particles can accumulate. This preliminary action prevents ice from reaching the measurement chamber in the first place, eliminating the need for subsequent melting or heating actions that could cause re-freezing or wet surface problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts ice particles from the air stream before they can enter the measurement chamber. The air jets create shear forces and turbulence that separate ice particles from the air flow, removing them externally rather than attempting to manage them internally through heating.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If complex surface features are added to the probe to improve ice resistance, then ice accumulation is reduced, but the structure becomes difficult to heat and requires more power
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sealed outer body, an internal measurement chamber, and multiple air jet nozzles positioned at strategic locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex integrated heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic air jets instead of complex thermal management systems. The air jets are directed through precisely positioned nozzles to create effective ice protection, replacing the need for complex heated surfaces and associated control systems.
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
This solution effectively prevents ice accumulation and maintains measurement accuracy by using air jets to deflect ice crystals and heated airflow to keep the probe body free of ice, reducing the need for excessive power and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
uses a heated airflow passage to maintain the probe body at a temperature that prevents ice accumulation
Implementation Method 2
uses air jets to deflect ice crystals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for icing resistant total air temperature probes with air jets are presented. In one embodiment, a probe comprises: a base having a forced air input port; and a body having leading and trailing edges extending from the base, the body comprising: a first interior airflow passage; a temperature sensor positioned within the first airflow passage; a notched intake port at a distal end of the body including an open channel extending into an intake aperture, and a cutaway region defining a recessed second face inset from the first face and exposes the open channel. The intake aperture opens into the first interior airflow passage, the notched intake port comprising air jet ports at a tip of the notched intake port; and a heated airflow passage through the body and isolated from the first interior airflow passage, coupling the forced air input port to the air jet ports.