Encased pressure sensor for measuring pressure in an aircraft wheel

Abstract

A pressure measurement device (1) comprising a housing (20) extending around an electronic card (30) provided with a pressure sensor (40);the housing (20) co-operating with a first face (31) of the electronic card (30) to define a first sealed volume (3);the housing (20) also co-operating with a second face (32) of the electronic card (30) that is opposite from the first face (31) to define a second sealed volume (4);the housing (20) including at least one first channel (24) putting the medium (5) outside the housing (20) into fluid flow communication with the first sealed volume (3);the electronic card (30) including at least one second channel (33) putting the first volume (3) into fluid flow communication with the second volume (4); andthe connection between the housing (20) and the electronic card (30) being arranged to allow relative movement between the housing (20) and the electronic card.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to measuring pressure, and more particularly to measuring pressure in an aircraft wheel.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Conventionally, an aircraft wheel comprises a cylindrical rim carrying a tire that co-operates with the rim to define an inside volume filled with a fluid under pressure, generally air or a fluid comprising a majority of nitrogen together with various components of air. After each landing, the pressure of the air contained in the wheel is measured by using a pressure measurement device mounted on an inflation valve secured to the rim. The rim generally contains a stack of brake disks called a heat pack that gives off a significant amount of heat when braking the aircraft (temperatures higher than 500 degrees Celsius). This heat requires the use of specific materials and assembly techniques, which make the manufacture of such a pressure sensor very expensive. Furthermore, the exposure of the sensor to high t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]A pressure measurement device is thus obtained that provides effective mechanical decoupling and that also performs double filtering of the particles contained in the fluid that is having its pressure measured. The succession of channels through which the fluid passes in order to reach the sensor also limits the effects of pressure and temperature transients. The housing also improves protection against mechanical aggression. It is thus possible to select a pressure sensor that is more accurate than sensors of the prior art, where selection has been based essentially on constraints associated with effectively withstanding aggression from the medium in which the device is placed.

[0007]The filtering of the fluid that is having its pressure measured is improved when the pressure sensor defines a sealed measurement enclosure, and when said sealed measurement enclosure is in fluid flow communication with the second volume.

[0011]The second channel is provided with good protection when it is metal plated.

[0012]The sensor is provided with improved protection against freezing when a conductive element is placed in the proximity of the second channel and is connected to a first pole of a voltage generator, the second channel being connected to a second pole of said voltage generator. Protection against freezing is further improved when the pressure measurement device includes a heater device for heating the at least one second channel. Such a heater device can be made inexpensively when the heater device comprises a resistive wire.

[0013]The conductive element can be made inexpensively when the conductive element comprises a zone of the first face that is provided with a conductive coating.

[0014]The robustness of the device is improved when the connection between the housing and the electronic card includes means for damping vibration. Such a connection can be made inexpensively when it is made with adhesive.

Problems solved by technology

This heat requires the use of specific materials and assembly techniques, which make the manufacture of such a pressure sensor very expensive.

Furthermore, the exposure of the sensor to high temperature while taking a measurement disturbs the accuracy of the measurement.

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