Aircraft Tire Pressure Sensor Lock-On Circuit for Shelf Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft tire pressure measurement systems face challenges in minimizing power consumption during storage, require specific equipment for activation, and are not robust enough to withstand harsh environments, leading to potential device failure and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a magnetic switch that automatically activates when removed from storage, using a reed switch and lock-on circuitry to maintain power even in harsh conditions, and a hermetic design that eliminates the need for external switches, allowing activation with a magnet and enabling wireless communication with portable electronic devices for data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the sensor is permanently powered during storage, then the device can be immediately activated upon installation, but the battery life is depleted and the device cannot meet contractual service life requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-configured with a magnetic switch mechanism that requires no preliminary power connection or complex activation sequence. The device is prepared in a low-power state with all necessary components (magnetic switch, locking circuitry, sensor elements) ready to activate instantly when exposed to a magnetic field, eliminating the need for preliminary power setup while ensuring immediate operational readiness upon installation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor activates itself automatically when exposed to a magnetic field during installation, without requiring external power connection or manual intervention. The magnetic field triggers the magnetic switch, which then self-latches through the locking circuitry to maintain power independently, allowing the device to service itself and transition from storage to operational mode autonomously
2Reliability
If the sensor requires specific activation equipment and conditions, then the device can be precisely controlled, but the complexity increases and the device may not be available in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical activation systems (buttons, switches, external equipment) with a magnetic field-based activation mechanism. The magnetic switch responds to magnetic fields from common magnets or electronic devices, eliminating the need for specialized activation equipment while maintaining reliable control through the magnetic field's presence or absence
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic switch can be activated by any magnetic field source, including common magnets, magnetic keys, or electronic devices with magnets, making the activation mechanism universal and available in virtually any location. This multi-functional approach allows the same mechanism to work with diverse magnetic field sources without requiring location-specific equipment
3Ease of operation
If the sensor uses a magnetic switch for activation, then the device can be easily activated without specialized equipment, but the switch may not be robust enough for harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a locking circuitry that latches the magnetic switch in the closed (powered) state once activated. This locking mechanism cushions against potential switch failures by maintaining power independently of the magnetic switch's continuous operation, providing a backup that ensures reliability even if the magnetic switch degrades in harsh environments
Solution Approach 2:
The locking circuitry acts as an intermediary between the magnetic switch and the power supply. Once the magnetic switch closes to initiate power, the locking circuitry takes over to maintain the closed circuit state, effectively mediating the connection and isolating the power supply from continuous dependence on the magnetic switch's integrity in harsh conditions
4Reliability
If the sensor is installed on the inflation port, then the tire can be monitored, but the tire cannot be re-inflated as the equipment blocks the port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor assembly from the traditional inflation port installation location and positions it on the wheel rim or brake disc instead. This extraction allows the inflation port to remain accessible and functional for tire re-inflation while the sensor continues to monitor tire pressure through its alternative mounting position, separating the monitoring function from the inflation function
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 extends the sensor's shelf life, reduces maintenance costs, and allows convenient activation without specialized equipment, ensuring reliable operation in remote locations and harsh environments by maintaining power and communication functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is equipped with a primary switch which can be operated by a magnetic field. More specifically, the primary switch is arranged to be open, i.e. the electric circuit is interrupted, when the magnetic field strength is above the switching threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly providing a physical property of a vehicle, e.g. tire pressure of a wheel of an aircraft, comprises electronic circuitry including a locking arrangement and sensor suited to sense the physical property and an exhaustable power source, e.g. a battery. For prolonged shelf life, a first and a second switch are functionally arranged between power source and circuitry. The second switch is controlled by the locking arrangement, whereas the first switch is controllable from outside the sensor assembly, e.g. by a magnetic field. The first switch is arranged to switch the power to the electronic circuitry, whereby the locking arrangement is powered, too. In consequence, the locking arrangement is capable to close the second switch. Thereafter, a further stimulus to the first switch will no more be capable to switch the sensor off, unless the locking arrangement enables it again by opening the second switch.