Systems and methods for monitoring a flow of a fluid on an external surface of a structure in motion
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKevin M. Mejia, Russell Westphal, Andy Wu, Zachary Deeds
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for monitoring a flow of a fluid on an external surface of a structure in motion. The structure defines an external side comprising the external surface and an internal side opposed from the external side. The system comprises a fluid dispensing device located on the internal side of the structure. The fluid dispensing device comprises the fluid and a conduit that directs the fluid onto the external surface of the structure. An observation device is located on the external side of the structure. The observation device is positioned to observe the flow of fluid on the external surface of the structure.
Claims22
A system for monitoring a flow of a fluid on an external surface of a structure in motion, the system comprising:
- a fluid dispensing assembly configured for mounting to an internal surface of the structure, the fluid dispensing assembly comprising:
- a reservoir configured to store the fluid;
- a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to draw the fluid from the reservoir;
- a conduit extending from the pump and configured to direct the fluid onto the external surface of the structure;
- and
- a control device in communication with the pump and configured to regulate a flow rate of the fluid through the conduit;
- a fixture configured to removably attach the fluid dispensing assembly to the internal surface;
- and
- a camera configured for removably mounting to the external surface of the structure;
- and
- a memory device configured to store image data captured by the camera.
An aircraft comprising:
- an aircraft structure defining an internal surface of the aircraft and an external surface of the aircraft;
- a fluid dispensing assembly mounted to the internal surface of the aircraft, the fluid dispensing assembly comprising:
- a reservoir configured to store a fluid;
- a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to draw the fluid from the reservoir;
- a conduit extending from the pump and configured to direct the fluid through an outlet in the aircraft structure and onto the external surface of the aircraft;
- and
- a control device in communication with the pump and configured to regulate a flow rate of the fluid through the conduit;
- a fixture removably attaching the fluid dispensing assembly to the internal surface of the aircraft;
- a camera mounted to the external surface of the aircraft and positioned to capture image data of the fluid flow on the external surface;
- and
- a memory device configured to store image data captured by the camera.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.