Ice detector configuration for improved ice detection at near freezing conditions
First Claim
1. An ice detector for providing a signal indicating ice formation, said ice detector comprising a probe assembly protruding into an airstream and supported relative to a surface of a structure subject to icing, the airstream moving past said surface and said probe assembly, and said probe assembly including sections forming structural portions that provide an area of lower pressure to a surface portion of the probe assembly than on the structure resulting in lower temperature on surfaces of the probe assembly than on the structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An ice detector for an aircraft comprises a strut and probe assembly, and it is positioned on the aircraft so that the pressure field around the ice detector causes a lower temperature region on the probe assembly compared to the aircraft. Ice will therefore form on the probe assembly before it forms on the aircraft to provide an early warning of icing conditions near freezing temperatures.
53 Citations
18 Claims
- 1. An ice detector for providing a signal indicating ice formation, said ice detector comprising a probe assembly protruding into an airstream and supported relative to a surface of a structure subject to icing, the airstream moving past said surface and said probe assembly, and said probe assembly including sections forming structural portions that provide an area of lower pressure to a surface portion of the probe assembly than on the structure resulting in lower temperature on surfaces of the probe assembly than on the structure.
- 14. An ice detector for a structural airfoil comprising a probe assembly extending from an air vehicle and having a longitudinal length generally parallel to the longitudinal length of a structural airfoil of the air vehicle and said probe assembly having an airfoil-shaped cross section and being oriented so that the pressure field on the probe assembly airfoil shape provides a lower minimum pressure than a minimum pressure on a structural airfoil of the air vehicle at a desired angle of attack of the structural airfoil.
- 17. A method of providing advance warning of formation of ice on a structure comprising of an ice detector probe assembly, placing the ice detector probe assembly in a position in an airstream, configuring and positioning the ice detector probe assembly so the pressure field around the ice detector probe assembly causes a lower temperature at a location on the surface of the ice detector probe assembly than the temperature on the structure.
Specification