초록 ▼

The present invention is an improved ice sensor which is particularly effective in measuring and quantifying non-uniform, heterogeneous ice typically found on aircraft leading edges and top wing surfaces. In one embodiment, the ice sensor comprises a plurality of surface mounted capacitive sensors,

The present invention is an improved ice sensor which is particularly effective in measuring and quantifying non-uniform, heterogeneous ice typically found on aircraft leading edges and top wing surfaces. In one embodiment, the ice sensor comprises a plurality of surface mounted capacitive sensors, each having a different electrode spacing. These sensors measure ice thickness by measuring the changes in capacitance of the flush electrode elements due to the presence of ice or water. Electronic guarding techniques are employed to minimize baseline and parasitic capacitances so as to decrease the noise level and thus increase the signal to noise ratio. Importantly, the use of guard electrodes for selective capacitive sensors also enables distributed capacitive measurements to be made over large or complex areas, independent of temperature or location, due to the capability of manipulating the electric field lines associated with the capacitive sensors.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A device for determining the existence of ice or water associated with a surface comprising:a first insulating layer disposed on said surface;alternating pairs of positive and ground electrodes disposed on said first insulating layer for establishing electrical fields therebetween,

[ We claim:] [1.] A device for determining the existence of ice or water associated with a surface comprising:a first insulating layer disposed on said surface;alternating pairs of positive and ground electrodes disposed on said first insulating layer for establishing electrical fields therebetween, each of said positive and ground electrodes having a capacitance associated therewith responsive to ice or water accretion therebetween; andguard electrodes disposed on insulator sheets placed above each of said positive electrodes for substantially confining the electrical fields between said positive and ground electrodes substantially along a horizontal plane to said insulating layer such that said capacitance is substantially responsive only to water or ice accretion near said insulating layer.