Multi-mode microwave waveguide blade sensing system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12050152-B2
Application number	US-202217970885-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 21, 2022
Priority date	Oct 5, 2020
Publication date	Jul 30, 2024
Grant date	Jul 30, 2024

Abstract

A multi-mode microwave waveguide blade sensing system includes a transceiver, a waveguide, and a probe sensor. The transceiver generates a microwave energy signal having a first waveguide mode and a different second waveguide mode. The waveguide includes a first end that receives the microwave energy signal. The probe sensor includes a proximate end that receives the microwave energy signal from the transceiver and a distal end including an aperture that outputs the microwave energy signal. The probe sensor directs the microwave energy signal at a first direction based on the first waveguide mode and a different second direction different based on the second waveguide mode. The probe sensor receives different levels of reflected microwave energy based at least in part on a location at which the at least one microwave energy signal is reflected from the machine.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A probe sensor comprising:
a probe body extending from a proximate end to a distal end to define a plurality of probe channels, the proximate end configured to establish signal communication with a waveguide and the distal end including at least one aperture configured to output at least one microwave energy signal; and
a plurality of lenses disposed in the at least one aperture,
wherein the probe body is configured to simultaneously deliver a first type of microwave energy signal and a second type of microwave energy signal between the proximate end and the distal end, and
wherein a first probe channel among the plurality of probe channels delivers the first type of microwave energy signal having a first energy level, a first shape and a first phase to a first lens disposed in the first probe channel, and wherein a second probe channel among the plurality of probe channels delivers a second type of microwave energy signal having a second energy level, a second shape and a second phase to a second lens disposed in the second probe channel.

2. The probe sensor of claim 1 , wherein the distal end is configured to mate with an opening formed in an engine case of a gas turbine engine.

3. The probe sensor of claim 2 , wherein the at least one lens is configured to adjust a field of view of the aperture to increase detectability of turbine blades contained in the gas turbine engine.

4. The probe sensor of claim 1 , wherein each probe channel among the plurality of probe channels extends from the proximate end to the distal end.

5. The probe sensor of claim 4 , wherein each of the probe channels is configured to deliver a microwave energy signal from among the first type of microwave energy signal to an opening in an engine case.

6. The probe sensor of claim 5 , wherein each lens among the plurality of lenses disposed in a respective probe channel of the distal end is configured to adjust a field of view of an aperture to increase detectability of turbine blades contained in the engine case.

7. The probe sensor of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the second energy level, the second shape or the second phase is different from at least one of the first energy level, the first shape or the first phase.

8. The probe sensor of claim 7 , wherein the first lens has a first lens index and the second lens has a second lens index different from the first lens index.

Assignees

• Rtx Corp

Inventors

• Gilson Jonathan
• Mantese Joseph V
• Gok Gurkan
• Djuknic Goran
• Wood Coy Bruce
• Zacchio Joseph

Classifications

• G01P3/00

  Measuring linear or angular speed; Measuring differences of linear or angular speeds (G01P5/00 - G01P11/00 take precedence; {direction and speed indication G01P13/045}; counting mechanisms G06M) · CPC title

• G01D5/48

  using wave or particle radiation means (G01D5/26 takes precedence) · CPC title

• G01B15/00

  Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons (characterised by the use of optical techniques G01B9/00, G01B11/00) · CPC title

• Y02T50/60

  Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft · CPC title

• B64C11/16

  Blades · CPC title