Aircraft Wind Vane Blockage Detection via Motor Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting blockages in aircraft wind vanes, such as ice or foreign objects, are inadequate as they can be misleading and slow to detect, and existing unblocking methods are complex and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a wind vane with a rotating paddle and motor, applying a predetermined detection torque to measure resistance and generate a blockage signal, and optionally using angular sensors and electromagnetic parameters to determine blockage, with an unblocking torque applied if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the known method of comparing angle of attack measurements from multiple wind vanes is used, then blockage detection is implemented, but the detection can be misled and slow when multiple wind vanes are blocked or during stable flight phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical comparison method (comparing angle of attack measurements from multiple wind vanes) with an electromagnetic detection method. The motor applies a detection torque and the processing unit analyzes the electrical characteristics (current, voltage, power) to detect blockages, substituting mechanical sensing with electromagnetic sensing that provides more reliable and timely detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind vane system performs self-diagnosis by having the motor apply a detection torque and analyze the resulting electrical parameters. The system uses its own operational characteristics (electrical consumption, torque response) to detect blockages without relying on external comparison methods, enabling autonomous and immediate blockage identification.
2Reliability
If electric heating or flight parameter changes are used to overcome wind vane blockage by ice, then unblocking is achieved, but the methods are complicated and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal unblocking methods (electric heating) with a mechanical unblocking method. The motor applies a controlled unblocking torque to mechanically free the ice-blocked wind vane, substituting energy-intensive thermal processing with a more efficient mechanical action that directly addresses the blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor (applying specific unblocking torque values, controlling rotation speed and direction) to achieve effective unblocking. By adjusting these mechanical parameters, the system can free blocked wind vanes without the high energy consumption associated with heating methods.
3Ease of operation
If electric heating is used to unblock wind vanes, then ice blockage is removed, but the process is energy-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The motor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the drive motor for normal wind vane operation and as the unblocking mechanism. By integrating the unblocking function into the existing motor, the system avoids adding separate heating elements or complex unblocking mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system while reducing energy consumption.
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
Enables precise and rapid detection of wind vane blockages and simple, low-energy unblocking, improving aircraft safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a motor able to exert a rotational torque on the paddle along the rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for detecting a blockage of a wind vane (12) of an aircraft, with the wind vane (12) including a support (20), a paddle (22) mounted rotating relative to the support (20) along an axis (A), a motor (28) able to exert a rotational torque on the paddle (22) along the axis (A), the motor (28) being connected to a processing unit (18). The method includes applying a predetermined blockage detection torque on the paddle (22) by the motor (28); measuring at least one piece of information representative of a resistance of the paddle (22) to the predetermined detection torque; and generating, via the processing unit (18), a blocking information signal, if a predetermined condition based on the representative information is verified.