Wedge Extension Temperature Sensor for High Mach Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional temperature sensors in aerospace applications face challenges at high Mach numbers due to compressibility effects and ice ingestion, leading to reduced response time and extraneous heat sources from deicing heaters, which affect measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor design featuring a wedge extension on the leading edge to separate ice accumulation, increase pressure differential, and move low-pressure regions aft, reducing ice formation and eliminating the need for deicing heaters, thereby enhancing airflow and response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional temperature sensors are used at high Mach numbers, then the sensor structure is simple, but compressibility effects reduce response time due to altered flow patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The leading edge is segmented into separate portions by introducing a wedge extension, which divides the flow path and prevents ice accumulation. This segmentation also maintains better airflow patterns at high Mach numbers, preserving response time without requiring complete redesign of the sensor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A wedge extension is added to the leading edge, introducing a new geometric dimension that alters the flow field. This dimensional change creates separate flow portions that maintain velocity and reduce compressibility effects, improving response time while keeping the overall sensor structure relatively simple.
2Reliability
If deicing heaters are embedded in the sensor housing, then ice formation is prevented, but extraneous heat sources cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge extension converts the harmful effect of ice accumulation into a beneficial flow separation mechanism. By deliberately creating flow separation at the leading edge through the wedge geometry, ice is prevented from forming on the sensor surface without requiring heating elements, thus eliminating measurement errors while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor body has a traditional shape, then manufacturing is simple, but ice accumulation on the sensor body causes engine damage
Solution Approach 1:
The leading edge is segmented into separate portions by introducing a wedge extension, which divides the flow path and prevents ice accumulation. This segmentation also maintains better airflow patterns at high Mach numbers, preserving response time without requiring complete redesign of the sensor structure.
4Productivity
If conventional sensor designs are used, then device complexity is low, but airflow through the sensor is reduced at high Mach numbers
Solution Approach 1:
A wedge extension is added to the leading edge, introducing a new geometric dimension that alters the flow field. This dimensional change creates separate flow portions that maintain velocity and reduce compressibility effects, improving response time while keeping the overall sensor structure relatively simple.
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 design improves temperature sensor performance by maintaining response time at elevated Mach numbers, reducing engine damage from ice ingestion, and eliminating deicing heater errors, resulting in more accurate measurements and lower energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge extension is configured to increase a pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet at high Mach numbers
Implementation Method 2
increasing airflow from the inlet, through the interior flow passage, to the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A temperature sensor includes a sensor body (102) and a wedge extension (104). The sensor body extends from a sensor base (106) to an opposed sensor tip (108) along a longitudinal axis (A). The sensor body has a leading edge (110) and opposed trailing edge (112). The sensor body also has an interior flow passage (114) with an inlet (116) for fluid communication of fluid into the interior flow passage and an outlet (118) for exhausting fluid out from the interior flow passage. The wedge extension is on the sensor body between the sensor tip and the sensor base on the leading edge of the sensor body.