Process for detecting the likelihood of ice formation, ice warning system for carrying out the process and utilization thereof
US4570881A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D15/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice warning system comprising a diaphragm set into vibration at one of its frequencies of resonance by a piezoelectric cell. The diaphragm is coupled thermally to a metallic plate alternately cooled and heated respectively below and above the ambient temperature by Peltier elements connected to a reversible DC current generator. A microprocessor measures any variation of the resonance frequency caused by a deposit of ice on the diaphragm during the cooling or heating periods and delivers an alarm signal if this variation of frequency reaches and/or exceeds a predetermined value. The microprocessor controls the period, intensity and direction of the current delivered by the DC current generator as a function of the ambient temperature and the temperature of the diaphragm. The ice warning system is preferably utilized in the aeronautical field for indicating the likelihood of natural ice formation on the engines and the wings of aircraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.