Patent Description:
Air data probes are installed on aircraft to measure air data parameters. Air data parameters may include barometric static pressure, altitude, air speed, angle of attack, angle of sideslip, temperature, total air temperature, relative humidity, and/or any other parameter of interest. Examples of air data probes include pitot probes, total air temperature probes, or angle of attack sensors.

Air data probes are mounted to an exterior of an aircraft in order to gain exposure to external airflow. Thus, air data probes are exposed to the environmental conditions exterior to the aircraft, which are often cold. As such, air data probes must be heated to ensure the air data probes function properly in liquid water, ice crystal, and mixed phase icing conditions. It can be difficult to successfully arrange a heater within the air data probe. Heating in air data probes is described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In particular, <CIT> shows an air data probe with a body, a pitot tube and a heating system comprising a coil connected to the body. The coil generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the pitot tube and produces eddy currents to heat the body.

An air data probe is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

A method of heating an air data probe is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In general, the present disclosure describes an air data probe that is heated via induction heating using a coil connected to the faceplate of the air data probe and a material that interacts with the electromagnetic field produced by the coil, which results in more efficient heating of the air data probe, simplifies construction of the air data probe, and allows for the use of more robust materials in manufacturing the air data probe. A body of the air data probe may be made of the interactive material or coated with the interactive material.

<FIG> is a schematic view of air data probe <NUM> including heating system <NUM>. Air data probe <NUM> includes heating system <NUM>, body <NUM>, and faceplate <NUM>. Heating system <NUM> includes coil <NUM>, voltage generator <NUM>, and interactive material <NUM>.

Air data probe <NUM> has heating system <NUM> to heat body <NUM> of air data probe <NUM>. A first end of body <NUM> of air data probe <NUM> is connected to an exterior surface of faceplate <NUM>. Faceplate <NUM> makes up a mount of air data probe <NUM> and is connectable to an aircraft. Coil <NUM> of heating system <NUM> is connected to faceplate <NUM>. Coil <NUM> may be embedded within faceplate <NUM> or attached to an interior surface of faceplate <NUM>. Coil <NUM> is electrically connected to voltage generator <NUM>. Voltage generator <NUM> is the power source of heating system <NUM>. Body <NUM> of air data probe <NUM> comprises interactive material <NUM> of heating system <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> may be iron, steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal that responds to the frequency of a generated electromagnetic field. Body <NUM> may be made of interactive material <NUM>. Alternatively, body <NUM> may be made of a material other than interactive material <NUM>, such as ceramic, which is coated with interactive material <NUM>. Faceplate <NUM> may also comprise interactive material <NUM>.

Air data probe <NUM> is configured to be installed on an aircraft. Faceplate <NUM> is mounted to a fuselage of the aircraft via fasteners, such as screws or bolts. Body <NUM> extends away from the fuselage of the aircraft to be exposed to external airflow. Body <NUM> interacts with air from surrounding external airflow to generate air data parameters related to the aircraft flight condition.

Heating system <NUM> inductively heats body <NUM> of air data probe <NUM>. Voltage generator <NUM> provides power to coil <NUM>, which generates an electromagnetic field. Coil <NUM> is connected to faceplate <NUM>, which is in line with the skin of the aircraft, and propagates the electromagnetic field such that the electromagnetic field extends from the skin of the aircraft toward body <NUM> to reach body <NUM>. The electromagnetic field couples with interactive material <NUM> of body <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> responds to the frequency of the electromagnetic field. Interactive material <NUM> produces eddy currents in response to the electromagnetic field, which are converted to heat to provide heat to body <NUM>. The eddy currents will directly heat the exterior surface of body <NUM> first, but the frequency of voltage generator <NUM> can be varied to get more or less penetration depending on the target area to be heated. Faceplate <NUM> may also be heated by heating system <NUM> when faceplate <NUM> comprises interactive material <NUM> that couples with the electromagnetic field generated by coil <NUM>. Alternatively, heat generated in coil <NUM> may provide enough heat to faceplate <NUM> to keep faceplate <NUM> free of ice even when faceplate <NUM> does not comprise interactive material <NUM>.

Body <NUM> is exposed to moisture and freezing temperatures via the external airflow. As such, heating system <NUM> prevents ice from forming on body <NUM> and affecting performance of air data probe <NUM>, allowing air data probe <NUM> to function properly. Likewise, heating system <NUM> can prevent ice from forming on an exterior surface of faceplate <NUM>, which is also exposed to external airflow, and interfering with performance of air data probe <NUM>.

Traditionally, air data probes are heated with a heating element, such as a resistance element or wire, inside the body of the air data probe, often heating the body from the inside out and requiring space within the body for the heating element. Further, a resistive heating element is subject to thermal expansion and corrosion that limits the operational life of the heating element. Heating system <NUM> enables the body <NUM> to be heated without a heating element within air data probe <NUM>. Body <NUM> can be heated remotely via the electromagnetic field generated by coil <NUM> at faceplate <NUM>. As a result, construction of air data probe <NUM> is simplified, for example, body <NUM> does not require space for a heating element. Further, body <NUM> can be heated directly, such as at an exposed exterior surface of body <NUM> where heat is needed, reducing the amount of power required by air data probe <NUM> and ensuring heat reaches the desired area.

<FIG> illustrate examples of different air data probes <NUM>. In <FIG>, a pitot probe is discussed. In <FIG>, an angle of attack sensor is discussed. In <FIG>, a total air temperature probe is discussed. Heating system <NUM> of the present disclosure can be applied to any suitable air data probe.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of pitot probe <NUM> including heating system <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional side view of pitot probe <NUM> including heating system <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of pitot probe <NUM> including heating system <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> will be discussed together. Pitot probe <NUM> includes heating system <NUM>, body <NUM> (including probe head <NUM> and strut <NUM>), and faceplate <NUM> (including exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM>). Heating system <NUM> includes coil <NUM> (which has first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>) and interactive material <NUM>. Probe head <NUM> includes tip <NUM>.

Pitot probe <NUM> is an example of air data probe <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Pitot probe <NUM> has heating system <NUM> to heat body <NUM> of pitot probe <NUM>. Body <NUM> is formed by probe head <NUM> and strut <NUM>. Probe head <NUM> is the sensing head of pitot probe <NUM>. Ports are positioned in probe head <NUM>, which is a forward portion of pitot probe <NUM>. Probe head <NUM> is connected to a first end of strut <NUM>. Strut <NUM> is blade-shaped. A second end of strut <NUM> is attached to faceplate <NUM>. Faceplate <NUM> makes up a mount of pitot probe <NUM>. Faceplate <NUM> has the same structure and function as faceplate <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Faceplate <NUM> also has exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM> opposite exterior surface <NUM>. Exterior surface <NUM> is exposed to external airflow. A second end of strut <NUM> is connected to exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>.

Heating system <NUM> has the same structure and function as heating system <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Coil <NUM> is embedded within faceplate <NUM> between exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM>. For example, coil <NUM> may be placed in a groove within faceplate <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, coil <NUM> may be attached to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. For example, coil <NUM> may be a printed wiring board attached to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. In this embodiment, coil <NUM> is positioned within faceplate <NUM> directly below probe head <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, any number of coils <NUM> may be connected to faceplate <NUM> and positioned in any location to provide heat to desired areas of pitot probe <NUM>. Coil <NUM> has first end <NUM> at a first end of coil <NUM> and second end <NUM> at a second end of coil <NUM>. Coil <NUM> is in the shape of a flat spiral with first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> extending from the flat spiral to terminate at interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. First end <NUM> and second end <NUM> are electrically connected to voltage generator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Body <NUM> comprises interactive material <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> may be iron, steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal that responds to a frequency of a generated electromagnetic field. Body <NUM> may be made of interactive material <NUM> or made of a material other than interactive material <NUM> and coated with interactive material <NUM>. An entirety of body <NUM> may be made of interactive material <NUM>. Alternatively, only areas of pitot probe <NUM> requiring heat may be made of interactive material <NUM> and areas of pitot probe <NUM> not requiring heat may be made of material other than interactive material <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> may be concentrated at areas of body <NUM> requiring more heat, such as at tip <NUM> of probe head <NUM>. Probe head <NUM> has tip <NUM> at a forward, or upstream, portion of probe head <NUM>. Tip <NUM> is at the end of probe head <NUM> opposite the end of probe head <NUM> connected to strut <NUM>.

Faceplate <NUM> is mounted to a fuselage of an aircraft, and strut <NUM> holds probe head <NUM> away from the fuselage of the aircraft to expose probe head <NUM> to external airflow. Heating system <NUM> inductively heats probe head <NUM>. Heating system <NUM> may also inductively heat strut <NUM>. Voltage generator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) causes coil <NUM> to generate electromagnetic field E at a frequency that interacts with interactive material <NUM>. For example, if interactive material <NUM> is a ferrous material, coil <NUM> may generate a frequency of at least about <NUM>. Electromagnetic field E couples with interactive material <NUM> of body <NUM>. Electromagnetic field E is propagated from coil <NUM> such that electromagnetic field E extends distance D from exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Distance D is about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to about <NUM> inches (<NUM>). In this embodiment, electromagnetic field E extends about perpendicularly from exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Because coil <NUM> is positioned directly below probe head <NUM>, electromagnetic field E extends to probe head <NUM>, and interactive material <NUM> at probe head <NUM> responds to the frequency of electromagnetic field E. Interactive material <NUM> at probe head <NUM>, including at tip <NUM>, produces eddy currents in response to electromagnetic field E, which provides heat to probe head <NUM> and tip <NUM>.

Heating system <NUM> heats probe head <NUM> remotely, with coil <NUM> remotely located relative to body <NUM>, and without a heating element within body <NUM>. Traditionally, a probe head is constructed with space for implementing a heating element, and it can be difficult to provide heat to the tip, which is directly exposed to moisture and cold temperatures of oncoming airflow. Space constraints within the probe head and the shape of the tip limit how close a heater can get to the external surface and to the tip of the probe head, and conduction is relied on for adequate heating. Heating system <NUM> simplifies construction of probe head <NUM> because a heating element does not have to be integrated into probe head <NUM>, and no electrical connection to probe head <NUM> is needed, allowing probe head <NUM> to have a thinner, more aerodynamic shape and be made of more robust materials. Heating system <NUM> also ensures tip <NUM> is adequately heated. Tip <NUM> can be heated efficiently without regard to profile.

<FIG> is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of probe head <NUM> of pitot probe <NUM>. Pitot probe <NUM> includes heating system <NUM> and body <NUM> (including probe head <NUM>). Heating system <NUM> includes interactive material <NUM>. Probe head <NUM> includes tip <NUM>, pitot pressure path <NUM>, and static pressure path <NUM>.

Pitot probe <NUM> has heating system <NUM> to heat body <NUM> of pitot probe <NUM>, as described with respect to <FIG>. Body <NUM> includes probe head <NUM>, which comprises interactive material <NUM> of heating system <NUM>. In this embodiment, body <NUM> is made of interactive material <NUM>. As such, probe head <NUM> is made of interactive material <NUM>, including tip <NUM>, pitot pressure path <NUM>, and static pressure path <NUM>. Pitot pressure path <NUM> is a channel within body <NUM> that has an inlet at tip <NUM> and extends within probe head <NUM> and strut <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Static pressure path <NUM> is a channel within body <NUM> that has an inlet an exterior surface of probe head <NUM> along the length of probe head <NUM> and extends within probe head <NUM> and strut <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Pitot pressure path <NUM> and static pressure path <NUM> are interior surfaces of body <NUM>. As such, interior surfaces of body <NUM> form pitot pressure path <NUM> and static pressure path <NUM>.

Pitot pressure path <NUM> and static pressure path <NUM> take in air from external airflow to generate air data parameters. Because body <NUM> is made of interactive material <NUM>, probe head <NUM>, including tip <NUM>, pitot pressure path <NUM>, and static pressure path <NUM>, responds to the electromagnetic field generated by coil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). As a result, probe head <NUM> is heated remotely. Tip <NUM>, pitot pressure path <NUM>, and static pressure path <NUM> all require heat as all are exposed to external airflow, and thus moisture and cold temperatures. Heating system <NUM> provides heat directly to tip <NUM>, pitot pressure path <NUM>, and static pressure path <NUM>, ensuring tip <NUM>, pitot pressure path <NUM>, and static pressure path <NUM> are adequately heated and pitot probe <NUM> functions properly.

<FIG> is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of probe head 30A of pitot probe 24A. Pitot probe 24A includes heating system 26A and body 28A (including probe head 30A). Heating system 26A includes interactive material 46A. Probe head 30A includes tip 48A, pitot pressure path 50A, static pressure path 52A, non-interactive material 54A, and coating 56A.

Pitot probe 24A has generally the same structure and function as pitot probe <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>, including heating system 26A and body 28A, which includes probe head 30A. However, probe head 30A of body 28A also comprises non-interactive material 54A and coating 56A, which is interactive material 46A of heating system 26A. A portion of probe head 30A is made of non-interactive material 54A, such as ceramic or any other suitable material that does not respond to the frequency of coil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Coating 56A is positioned on an exterior surface of non-interactive material 54A. As such, coating 56A makes up an exterior surface of probe head 30A. Coating 56A is at tip 48A of probe head 30A and at inlets of pitot pressure path 50A and static pressure path 52A.

Because coating 56A is interactive material 46A, coating 56A couples with the electromagnetic field generated by coil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to produce eddy currents. As a result, tip 48A of probe head 30A and inlets of pitot pressure path 50A and static pressure path 52A, which are exposed to external airflow and require heat, are heated. At the same time, a portion of body 28A is made of non-interactive material 54A, such as ceramic. As such, pitot probe 24A is lighter and more cost-effective with simplified construction while still achieving desired heating capabilities. For example, pitot probe 24A can be additively manufactured with non-interactive material 54A and coated with coating 56A, as the need for incorporating heaters within probe head 30A is eliminated. Constructing pitot probe 24A using non-interactive material 54A also yields more material options for body 28A of pitot probe 24A.

While non-interactive material 54A and coating 56A has been described with respect to probe head 30A, an entirety or other portions of body 28A, including strut 32A, may be made of non-interactive material 54A and coating 56A.

<FIG> is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of probe head 30B of pitot probe 24B. Pitot probe 24B includes heating system 26B and body 28B (including probe head 30B). Heating system 26B includes interactive material 46B. Probe head 30B includes tip 48B, pitot pressure path 50B, static pressure path 52B, non-interactive material 54B, and coating 56B.

Pitot probe 24B has generally the same structure and function as pitot probe 24A described with respect to <FIG>, except coating 56B is positioned on interior surfaces of non-interactive material 54B. Coating 56B extends from inlets and along interior surfaces of pitot pressure path 50B and static pressure path 52B. As such, coating 56B extends from tip 48B along pitot pressure path 50B.

Because coating 56B is made of interactive material 46B, coating 56B couples with the electromagnetic field generated by coil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to produce eddy currents. As a result, tip 48B of probe head 30B and channels of pitot pressure path 50B and static pressure path 52B, which have inlets exposed to external airflow and require heat, are heated, preventing ice blockages inside pitot pressure path 50B and static pressure path 52B. At the same time, a portion of body 28B is made of non-interactive material 54B, such as ceramic. As such, pitot probe 24B is lighter and more cost-effective with simplified construction while still achieving desired heating capabilities. For example, pitot probe 24B can be additively manufactured with non-interactive material 54B and coated with coating 56B, as the need for incorporating heaters within probe head 30B is eliminated. Constructing pitot probe 24B using non-interactive material 54B also yields more material options for body 28B of pitot probe 24B.

<FIG> is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of probe head 30C of pitot probe 24C. Pitot probe 24C includes heating system 26C and body 28C (including probe head 30C). Heating system 26C includes interactive material 46C. Probe head 30C includes tip 48C, pitot pressure path 50C, static pressure path 52C, non-interactive material 54C, and coating 56C.

Pitot probe 24C has generally the same structure and function as pitot probes 24A and 24B described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, except coating 56C is positioned on an exterior surface of non-interactive material 54C and interior surfaces of non-interactive material 54C. As such, coating 56C makes up an exterior surface of probe head 30C. Coating 56C is at tip 48C of probe head 30C and at inlets of pitot pressure path 50C and static pressure path 52C. Coating 56C also extends from inlets and along interior surfaces of pitot pressure path 50C and static pressure path 52C.

Because coating 56C is made of interactive material 46C, coating 56C couples with the electromagnetic field generated by coil <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to produce eddy currents. As a result, tip 48C of probe head 30B and inlets and channels of pitot pressure path 50C and static pressure path 52C, which are exposed to external airflow and require heat, are heated. At the same time, a portion of body 28C is made of non-interactive material 54C, such as ceramic. As such, pitot probe 24C is lighter and more cost-effective with simplified construction while still achieving desired heating capabilities. For example, pitot probe 24C can be additively manufactured with non-interactive material 54C and coated with coating 56C, as the need for incorporating heaters within probe head 30C is eliminated. Constructing pitot probe 24B using non-interactive material 54B also yields more material options for body 28B of pitot probe 24B.

While coatings 56A, 56B, and 56C have been described with respect to probe heads 30A, 30B, and 30C in <FIG>, any part of any type of air data probe can utilize combinations of non-interactive material 54A, 54B, and 54C and coatings 56A, 56B, and 56C to achieve desired heating. Heating can also be tailored by varying the thickness of coatings 56A, 56B, and 56C to control interaction with the electromagnetic field.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of angle of attack sensor <NUM> including heating system <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional side view of angle of attack sensor <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of angle of attack sensor <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> will be discussed together. Angle of attack sensor <NUM> includes heating system <NUM>, body <NUM> (which includes vane <NUM> and vane base <NUM>), and faceplate <NUM> (which includes exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM>). Heating system <NUM> includes coils 74A and 74B (which have first ends 76A and 76B and second ends 78A and 78B, respectively) and interactive material <NUM>.

Angle of attack sensor <NUM> is an example of air data probe <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Angle of attack sensor <NUM> has heating system <NUM> to heat body <NUM> of angle of attack sensor <NUM>. Body <NUM> is formed by vane <NUM> and vane base <NUM>. Vane <NUM> has a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a first end of vane <NUM> is connected to vane base <NUM>. Vane base <NUM> extends within a housing of angle of attack sensor <NUM> below faceplate <NUM>. Vane <NUM> and vane base <NUM> are rotatable. Faceplate <NUM> has the same structure and function as faceplate <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Faceplate <NUM> also has exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM> opposite exterior surface <NUM>. Exterior surface <NUM> is exposed to external airflow. Faceplate <NUM> is adjacent to and extends around vane base <NUM>.

Heating system <NUM> has the same structure and function as heating system <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Coils 74A and 74B are embedded within faceplate <NUM> between exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM>. For example, coils 74A and 74B may be placed in grooves within faceplate <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, coils 74A and 74B may be attached to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. For example, coils 74A and 74B may be a printed wiring board attached to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. In this embodiment, coils 74A and 74B are positioned within faceplate <NUM> adjacent vane base <NUM>. First coil 74A and second coil 74B are positioned across from each other, such as <NUM> degrees apart. In alternate embodiments, any number of coils <NUM> may be connected to faceplate <NUM> and positioned in any location to provide heat to desired areas of angle of attack sensor <NUM>. Coils 74A and 74B have first ends 76A and 76B at first ends of coils 74A and 74B and second ends 78A and 78B at second ends of coils 74A and 74B, respectively. Coils 74A and 74B are in the shape of flat spirals with first ends 76A and 76B and second ends 78A and 78B extending from the flat spirals to terminate at interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. First ends 76A and 76B and second ends 78A and 78B are electrically connected to voltage generator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Body <NUM> comprises interactive material <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> may be iron, steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal that responds to a frequency of a generated electromagnetic field. Body <NUM> may be made of interactive material <NUM> or made of a material other than interactive material <NUM> and coated with interactive material <NUM>. An entirety of body <NUM> may be made of interactive material <NUM>. Alternatively, only areas of angle of attack sensor <NUM> requiring heat may be made of interactive material <NUM> and areas of angle of attack sensor <NUM> not requiring heat may be made of material other than interactive material <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> may be concentrated at areas of body <NUM> requiring more heat, such as at a leading edge of vane <NUM>, which is an upstream portion of vane <NUM>.

Faceplate <NUM> is mounted to a fuselage of an aircraft, and vane <NUM> extends away from the fuselage of the aircraft to expose vane <NUM> to external airflow. Vane <NUM> rotates based on the angle at which the aircraft is flying relative to the external oncoming airflow. Vane <NUM> causes rotation of vane base <NUM> and a vane shaft, which is connected to vane base <NUM>, within the housing. The vane shaft is coupled to a rotational sensor that measures the local angle of attack or angle of the airflow relative to the fixed aircraft structure. Heating system <NUM> inductively heats vane <NUM>. Heating system <NUM> may also inductively heat vane base <NUM>. Voltage generator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) operates at a frequency that causes coils 74A and 74B to generate electromagnetic field E2 with a frequency that interacts with interactive material <NUM>. For example, if interactive material <NUM> is a ferrous material, coils 74A and 74B generate a frequency of at least <NUM>. Electromagnetic fields E2 couple with interactive material <NUM> of body <NUM>. Electromagnetic fields E2 are propagated from coils 74A and 74B such that electromagnetic fields E2 extend distance D2 from exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Distance D2 is about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches. In this embodiment, electromagnetic fields E2 extend about perpendicularly from exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Because coils 74A and 74B are next to, or adjacent, vane base <NUM>, coils 74A and 74B are below vane <NUM> as it moves in response to external airflow. As such, electromagnetic fields E2 extend to vane <NUM> when vane <NUM> is positioned over respective coils 74A and 74B, and interactive material <NUM> at vane <NUM> responds to the frequency of electromagnetic field E2 with which interactive material <NUM> is coupled. Interactive material <NUM> at vane <NUM> produces eddy currents in response to electromagnetic field E2, which provides heat to vane <NUM>.

Heating system <NUM> heats vane <NUM> remotely, with coils 74A and 74B remotely located relative to body <NUM>, and without a heating element within body <NUM>. Traditionally, it can be difficult to provide heat to the vane and vane base, which are directly exposed to moisture and cold temperatures of oncoming airflow. Space constraints within angle of attack sensor <NUM> limit how close a heater can get to the external surface of vane <NUM> and vane base <NUM>, and conduction is relied on for adequate heating. Heating system <NUM> simplifies construction of vane <NUM> because a heating element does not have to be integrated into vane <NUM>, and no electrical connection vane <NUM> and vane base <NUM> is needed, allowing vane <NUM> to have a simpler construction and be made of more robust materials. Vane <NUM> and vane base <NUM> can rotate without heater wires, reducing the likelihood of damage to angle of attack sensor <NUM>. Heating system <NUM> also ensures vane <NUM> and vane base <NUM> are adequately heated. Vane <NUM> receives heat directly, which also decreases the amount of power needed to heat vane <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of total air temperature probe <NUM> including heating system <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of total air temperature probe <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> will be discussed together. Total air temperature probe <NUM> includes heating system <NUM>, body <NUM> (which includes head <NUM> and strut <NUM>), and faceplate <NUM> (which includes exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM>). Heating system <NUM> includes coil <NUM> (which has first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>) and interactive material <NUM>. Head <NUM> includes inlet <NUM>.

Total air temperature probe <NUM> is an example of air data probe <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Total air temperature probe <NUM> has heating system <NUM> to heat body <NUM> of total air temperature probe <NUM>. Body <NUM> is formed by head <NUM> and strut <NUM>. Head <NUM> is connected to a first end of strut <NUM>. Head <NUM> and strut <NUM> make up body <NUM> to total air temperature probe <NUM>. Strut <NUM> is blade-shaped. A second end of strut <NUM> is attached to faceplate <NUM>. Faceplate <NUM> makes up a mount of total air temperature probe <NUM>. Faceplate <NUM> has the same structure and function as faceplate <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Faceplate <NUM> also has exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM> opposite exterior surface <NUM>. Exterior surface <NUM> is exposed to external airflow. A second end of strut <NUM> is connected to exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>.

Heating system <NUM> has the same structure and function as heating system <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Coil <NUM> is embedded within faceplate <NUM> between exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM>. For example, coil <NUM> may be placed in a groove within faceplate <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, coil <NUM> may be attached to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. For example, coil <NUM> may be a printed wiring board attached to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. In this embodiment, coil <NUM> is positioned within faceplate <NUM> surrounding body <NUM> such that body <NUM> is in the center of coil <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, any number of coils <NUM> may be connected to faceplate <NUM> and positioned in any location to provide heat to desired areas of total air temperature probe <NUM>. Coil <NUM> has first end <NUM> at a first end of coil <NUM> and second end <NUM> at a second end of coil <NUM>. Coil <NUM> is in the shape of a flat spiral with first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> extending from the flat spiral to terminate at interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. First end <NUM> and second end <NUM> are electrically connected to voltage generator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Body <NUM> comprises interactive material <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> may be iron, steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal that responds to a frequency of a generated electromagnetic field. Body <NUM> may be made of interactive material <NUM> or made of a material other than interactive material <NUM> and coated with interactive material <NUM>. An entirety of body <NUM> may be made of interactive material <NUM>. Alternatively, only areas of total air temperature probe <NUM> requiring heat may be made of interactive material <NUM> and areas of total air temperature probe <NUM> not requiring heat may be made of material other than interactive material <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> may be concentrated at areas of body <NUM> requiring more heat, such as at inlet <NUM> of head <NUM>. Head <NUM> has inlet <NUM> at a forward, or upstream, end of head <NUM>.

Faceplate <NUM> is mounted to a fuselage of an aircraft, and strut <NUM> holds head <NUM> away from the fuselage of the aircraft to expose head <NUM> to external airflow. Heating system <NUM> inductively heats head <NUM>. Heating system <NUM> may also inductively heat strut <NUM>. Voltage generator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) operates at a frequency that causes coil <NUM> to generate electromagnetic field E3 with a frequency that interacts with interactive material <NUM>. For example, if interactive material <NUM> is a ferrous material, coil <NUM> generates a frequency of at least <NUM>. Electromagnetic field E3 couples with interactive material <NUM> of body <NUM>. Electromagnetic field E3 is propagated from coil <NUM> such that electromagnetic field E3 extends distance D3 from exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Distance D3 is about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches. In this embodiment, electromagnetic field E3 extends about perpendicularly from exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Because coil <NUM> surrounds head <NUM>, electromagnetic field E3 extends to head <NUM>, and interactive material <NUM> at head <NUM> responds to the frequency of electromagnetic field E3. Interactive material <NUM> at head <NUM>, including at inlet <NUM>, produces eddy currents in response to electromagnetic field E3, which provides heat to head <NUM> and inlet <NUM>.

Heating system <NUM> heats head <NUM> remotely, with coil <NUM> remotely located relative to body <NUM>, and without a heating element within body <NUM>. Traditionally, it can be difficult to prevent ice accretion within a total air temperature probe and to provide heat to the inlet, which is directly exposed to moisture and cold temperatures of oncoming airflow. Heating system <NUM> simplifies construction of body <NUM> because a heating element does not have to be integrated into body <NUM>, allowing body <NUM> to be made of more robust materials. Heating system <NUM> also ensures inlet <NUM> is adequately heated. Inlet <NUM> receives heat directly, which also decreases the amount of power needed to heat inlet <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of air data probe <NUM> including heating system <NUM>. Air data probe <NUM> includes heating system <NUM>, body <NUM>, and faceplate <NUM> (including exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM>). Heating system <NUM> includes magnet <NUM> (including first end 121A and second end 121B), coil <NUM>, voltage generator <NUM>, and interactive material <NUM>.

Air data probe <NUM> has heating system <NUM> to heat body <NUM> of air data probe <NUM>. A first end of body <NUM> of air data probe <NUM> is connected to faceplate <NUM> at exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Faceplate <NUM> makes up a mount of air data probe <NUM> and is connectable to an aircraft. Faceplate <NUM> has exterior surface <NUM> and interior surface <NUM> opposite exterior surface <NUM>. Exterior surface <NUM> is exposed to external airflow. Magnet <NUM> of heating system <NUM> is an electromagnet connected to faceplate <NUM> at interior surface <NUM>. Magnet <NUM> is shaped such that first end 121A of magnet <NUM> is connected to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>, and second end 121B of magnet opposite first end 121A of magnet <NUM> is connected to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM> a spaced distance from first end 121A of magnet <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, magnet <NUM> may be a U-shaped magnet with a flat bottom, a U-shaped magnet, or a magnet of any other suitable shape having first end 121A spaced from second end 121B. Coil <NUM> of heating system <NUM> is connected to magnet <NUM>. Coil <NUM> is connected to magnet <NUM> between first end 121A and second end 121B of magnet <NUM>, which are connected to interior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Coil <NUM> is wrapped around the flat bottom portion of U-shaped magnet <NUM>. As such, coil <NUM> is a <NUM>-dimensional spiral shape. Coil <NUM> is electrically connected to voltage generator <NUM>. Voltage generator <NUM> is the power source of heating system <NUM>. Body <NUM> of air data probe <NUM> comprises interactive material <NUM> of heating system <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> may be iron, steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal that responds to the frequency of a generated electromagnetic field. Body <NUM> may be made of interactive material <NUM>. Alternatively, body <NUM> may be made of a material other than interactive material <NUM>, such as ceramic, which is coated with interactive material <NUM>. Faceplate <NUM> may also comprise interactive material <NUM>.

Heating system <NUM> inductively heats body <NUM> of air data probe <NUM>. Voltage generator <NUM> provides power to coil <NUM> via voltage. As a result, coil <NUM> supplies power to magnet <NUM>, which generates electromagnetic field E4. Magnet <NUM> is connected to faceplate <NUM>, which is in line with the skin of the aircraft, and propagates electromagnetic field E4 from first end 121A of magnet <NUM> to second end 121B of magnet <NUM> such that electromagnetic field E4 extends from the skin of the aircraft toward body <NUM> to reach body <NUM>. Electromagnetic field E4 is propagated from magnet <NUM> such that electromagnetic field E4 extends distance D4 from exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>. Distance D4 is about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches. Because body <NUM> is between first end 121A and second end 121B of magnet <NUM>, electromagnetic field E4 extends to body <NUM>. Electromagnetic field E4 couples with interactive material <NUM> of body <NUM>. Voltage generator <NUM> operates at a frequency that causes coil <NUM> and magnet <NUM> to generate electromagnetic field E4 with a frequency that interacts with interactive material <NUM>. For example, if interactive material <NUM> is a ferrous material, coil <NUM> and magnet <NUM> generate a frequency of at least <NUM>. Interactive material <NUM> responds to the frequency of electromagnetic field E4. Interactive material <NUM> produces eddy currents in response to electromagnetic field E4, which are converted to heat to provide heat to body <NUM>. The eddy currents will directly heat the exterior surface of body <NUM> first, but the frequency of voltage generator <NUM> can be varied to get more or less penetration depending on the target area to be heated. Faceplate <NUM> may also be heated by heating system <NUM> when faceplate <NUM> comprises interactive material <NUM> that couples with electromagnetic field E4. Alternatively, heat generated by coil <NUM> may provide enough heat to faceplate <NUM> to keep faceplate <NUM> free of ice even when faceplate <NUM> does not comprise interactive material <NUM>.

Body <NUM> is exposed to moisture and freezing temperatures via the external airflow. As such, heating system <NUM> prevents ice from forming on body <NUM> and affecting performance of air data probe <NUM>, allowing air data probe <NUM> to function properly. Likewise, heating system <NUM> can prevent ice from forming on exterior surface <NUM> of faceplate <NUM>, which is also exposed to external airflow, and interfering with performance of air data probe <NUM>.

Traditionally, air data probes are heated with a heating element, such as a resistance element or wire, inside the body of the air data probe, often heating the body from the inside out and requiring space within the body for the heating element. Further, a resistive heating element is subject to thermal expansion and corrosion that limits the operational life of the heating element. Heating system <NUM> enables the body <NUM> to be heated without a heating element within air data probe <NUM>. Body <NUM> can be heated remotely via electromagnetic field E4 generated by coil <NUM> and magnet <NUM> at faceplate <NUM>. As a result, construction of air data probe <NUM> is simplified, for example, body <NUM> does not require space for a heating element. Further, body <NUM> can be heated directly, such as at an exposed exterior surface of body <NUM> where heat is needed, reducing the amount of power required by air data probe <NUM> and ensuring heat reaches the desired area. Further, magnet <NUM> allows for electromagnetic field E4 to achieve a greater distance D4, if desired, as magnet <NUM> alters the shape of electromagnetic field E4.

Heating system <NUM> of the present disclosure can be applied to any suitable air data probe, including a pitot probe, angle of attack sensor, or total air temperature probe.

Claim 1:
An air data probe comprising:
a faceplate (<NUM>) connectable to an aircraft;
a body (<NUM>) connected to the faceplate; and
a heating system (<NUM>) comprising a coil (<NUM>), the coil being connected to the faceplate;
wherein the coil is configured to generate an electromagnetic field that couples with the body to heat the body;
wherein the body comprises an interactive material (<NUM>) that couples with the electromagnetic field and produces eddy currents to heat the body.