Aircraft tire pressure is a vital parameter, notably for safety and economical operation. However, aircraft tires deflate regularly for many reasons: temperature variations, stress on landing and braking, etc. Hence the importance of the "Tire Pressure Monitoring System" (TPMS).
We now know after detailed analysis that several aircraft accidents could have been avoided had the TPMS system been fitted. From the point of view of operating costs, being able to detect the slightest drop in pressure may mean a maintenance operation can be brought forward or even avoided.
The major problem in measuring tire pressure comes from the gap in the measurement system between the sensor, situated in the moving wheel, and a receiving unit located on the fixed axle. This gives rise to two difficulties: providing power to the sensor in a very high temperature and vibratory environment, and transmitting the information to the receiver.
Until now, power was provided by a rotating transformer inserted in a mechanical housing with ball bearings (housed in the wheel axle).
The innovative technology offered by Messier-Bugatti in its new-generation TPMS (NG) is based on wireless RF (radio frequency) data transmission, thus eliminating any contact between the sensor and the receiver. This technology ensures the continuity of measurements between the pressure sensor and the receiver.
The TPMS NG is made up of three Line Replaceable Units (LRU):
A rotating assembly, including the sensor mounted on the wheel, an electronic unit to process the signal and a mobile antenna, mounted facing the hub.
A fixed antenna positioned on the axle, with a cable leading to a dedicated computer.
The computer (and its software), which transmits the information to the cockpit and which will trigger alarms in the cockpit if there are any abnormal measurements.
The TPMS NG features a very simple design, reduced volume and weight, high accuracy, reliability and maintainability. The antennae can be easily adapted to small wheels, making the TPMS NG compatible with smaller aircraft such as regional aircraft, business aircraft and even military aircraft.
Furthermore the TPMS NG uses very little energy and takes very frequent measurements (500 milliseconds), with an alarm triggered after two successive abnormal measurements, i.e. after only one second! However, its greatest quality is undoubtedly its cost, which is 40% lower than that of the previous generation!
To find out more: TPMS
