G - Physics – 08 – B
Patent
G - Physics
08
B
340/139, 343/2
G08B 19/02 (2006.01) B64D 15/20 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 1095607
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates generally to surface ice detection systems, and, more particularly, to the detectors for use in aircraft. Various techniques have been employed in the past for the detection of ice, but have all proved unreliable for one reason or another. One prior art method utilizes forward facing orifices, the formation of ice on the orifices being detected as a decrease in pressure. Other ice detection techniques depend on the detection of a variation in a particular mechanical or electrical parameter. While some of these techniques may operate reason- ably satisfactorily on fixed-wing aircraft, there are additional problems posed by the detection of ice on-helicopters. Many of the prior art techniques are incapable of being adapted for use on rotating surfaces. Consequently, no satisfactory method has heretofore been available for the detection of ice on helicopter rotor blades. The present invention provides a system for detecting ice on exterior surfaces of aircraft by transmitting a microwave electromagnetic signal into a dielectric layer functioning as a surface waveguide, and monitoring the signals transmitted into and reflected from the waveguide. The waveguide includes a termination element which is mismatched with the waveguide impedance, resulting in partial or total reflection of the microwave energy from the remote end of the wave- guide. As ice builds up on the surface waveguide, the impedence or reflec- tion characteristics of the composite waveguide comprising the ice layer and the permanent surface waveguide give a reliable indication of the presence and location of the ice.
275245
Gowling Lafleur Henderson Llp
System Development Corporation
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