Pressure sensors play an integral role in the safe operation of aerospace vehicles like planes, rockets, and helicopters. From engines and booster performance to cockpit and cabin comfort, pressure sensors control and monitor nearly every system within aerospace vehicles. As these vehicles continue to advance in their capabilities, though, so too must the sensors used within them to maintain safe and proper flight.
However, just how much these integral devices will advance is still up for debate. Here’s where the engineers at CCS think the future of pressure sensors in the aerospace industry is headed in the next 10 years:
The Future of Pressure Sensor Cost
Every project has a budget, but there is no room for cost-cutting when ensuring the safe and proper operation of aircraft. This is why our CCS engineers are not predicting much of a change in aerospace pressure sensor cost. Here at CCS, we pride ourselves on designing and manufacturing reliable aerospace sensors that can operate in the most extreme environments without fear of premature failure. Quality sensors may cost more upfront, but they offer more than cheaper sensors while saving you money on maintenance in the long run.
The Future of Pressure Sensor Size and Weight
When engineers are designing an aircraft, one of their main goals is to save as much weight as possible. From using various kinds of specially-designed metals to cutting down on the amount of wires that run throughout the aircraft, engineers will try everything to save precious weight. That same strategy is reflected in the sensors used throughout the aircraft as well.
However, while aircraft engineers are continually looking for lighter and smaller, CCS engineers predict a limit to just how small and light a sensor can be. Due to the mechanical elements used within them, as well as exterior ports and connectors, sensors will most likely not be made any smaller than 3 inches. Sensor weight will also not decrease by much as specific materials are needed to ensure proper function. The most change, in fact, will be seen in the capabilities of sensors, according to CCS engineers.
Future Aerospace Pressure Sensor Technologies
Although sensors will most likely be occupying only a slightly smaller space at roughly the same weight, their capabilities will continue to improve to keep up with the pace of aerospace technologies and safety regulations – improvements like wireless communication between devices and LED-based technology. Here are the technologies CCS engineers predict will be at the forefront of aerospace sensor technology within the next 10 years.
Wireless sensors
Wireless sensors have long been a dream for aerospace engineers and manufacturers. With no wiring harness, these kinds of sensors offer simplicity and weight-savings that cannot be matched by wired sensors. However, wireless sensors come with their own unique issues. Things like the complex software needed to operate the sensors, bandwidth and interference issues, and security concerns are all hurdles that must be overcome before this technology can be used in the aerospace industry.
Light sensors and LED-based technology
Light-based sensors using low power, high-accuracy LEDs are just starting to break into the industrial market and have yet to be used in aerospace applications. These devices are capable of sensing movement, position, and constituents of fluids and gases, all at the same time. These sensors do not require metal to function, allowing them to be lighter weight than traditional sensors and applicable in extreme environments where conductivity is problematic. Using light also provides tremendously fast response times and the flexibility for remote sensing through fiber cables.
Micro-sensors
Micro-sensors are considered one of the most important technologies of the 21st century. The concept of miniaturization originated in the semiconductor industry and has grown rapidly during the past ten years. These sensors are capable of enhancing product performance by improving signal processing and control feedback. Micro-sensors can be utilized in a wide range of configurations, including measurement of force, deflection, and curvature.
Multifunctional sensors (temperature and pressure)
Multifunctional sensors, such as combining pressure and temperature measurement capability into a single unit, provide a number of benefits. The system manufacturer that is using the multifunction sensor saves costs by reducing the number of ports required for pressure and temperature measurements. Labor costs are also reduced because engineers are only required to install, test, connect, and operate one unit versus two separate ones. Finally, weight is also reduced by having one unit, one connector, and one electrical wire harness versus two.
The Future is Bright for Aerospace Sensors
With such rapid technological advancements taking place in the aerospace industry, the sensors used on these machines must be able to adapt in order to ensure safety and proper, reliable operation. While smaller and lighter are always goals at the top of the list, future advancements like wireless and multifunctional capabilities are where the real breakthroughs can be seen. Learn more about the advantages of CCS aerospace sensors by reading our blog post on thin-film sensing technology or contact us directly.