System and associated method for verifying the data of a coded plug of an aircraft turbine engine

Abstract

The invention provides a system for verifying data in a coded plug (11) of a turbine engine, intended to automatically verify the correctness of configuration information. This system incorporates an interfacing circuit (33), a non-volatile memory (32), and an analysis module for decoding (34) and comparing the configuration information and displaying the results. This solution aims to improve the reliability and safety of turbine-engine configurations by reducing human errors.

Description

SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR VERIFYING DATA FROM AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE CODING PLUG Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for verifying data from a coding plug of an aircraft turbomachine. The present invention also relates to a method for verifying data encoded in a coding plug of an aircraft turbomachine. Prior art

[0002] In the aeronautics industry, engine configuration information such as its type, but also technical information such as its TRIM settings, turbine degradation (HPT - High Pressure Turbine), etc. are stored in a coding plug, called ID Plug, known to a person skilled in the art. This information is coded there by short-circuiting different pins of this coding plug in general.

[0003] There is a risk of error during encoding: in particular, large numbers of small wires. Verification of the information actually encoded is therefore important because the consequences of a coding error are potentially severe and may only appear in flight. But verification of the information actually encoded is also a source of errors because it depends on the visual acuity and rigor of the operator who carries out this verification. Statement of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, an object of the invention is to provide a system allowing more reliable or more secure verification of the data encoded in a coding plug of an aircraft turbomachine.

[0005] For this purpose, a system is proposed for verifying data encoded in a coding plug of an aircraft turbomachine and comprising: • non-volatile memory for storing turbomachine configuration information; • an input for coupling the coding cap to the verification system; • an electronic interfacing circuit connected to the input, capable of extracting an electrical signal following coupling of the coding cap with the verification system via its input; • an analysis module configured to: - decode the electrical signal extracted via the electronic interfacing circuit to deduce configuration information of the turbomachine encoded in the coding plug; - compare the turbomachine configuration information encoded in the coding plug with that stored in the non-volatile memory; - determine a verification result, based on this comparison; • a display means for displaying information representative of the verification result.

[0006] The system according to the invention improves the reliability and security of data verification compared to prior art methods. Indeed, by automating the reading and comparison of encoded data, the system reduces human errors that can occur during manual handling of coding caps and verification of configurations. Automation ensures high consistency and accuracy in the verification process, independent of the operator.

[0007] Additionally, storing configuration information in non-volatile memory ensures that the data required for verification is always available and intact, even in the event of a power outage or other technical issues. This provides a reliable and secure data source for comparison with the information encoded in the cap.

[0008] On the other hand, the display provides a clear and immediate indication of the result of the check, allowing rapid action in the event of a discrepancy. This reduces the time required to identify and correct errors, thus improving pre-flight safety.

[0009] In the context of this document, the term “couple” preferably corresponds to “connect”, even more preferably to “connect electrically and mechanically”.

[0010] In the context of this document, a "configuration information" may be in various formats, namely a numeric, alphabetic, alphanumeric format, etc. The "configuration information" is preferably complex, i.e. it is composed of several simple pieces of information, which together provide a detailed representation of a configuration of the turbomachine. For example, the configuration information may designate both information relating to the "engine type" and the "trim setting".

[0011] For the purposes of this document, the term "decoding" refers to all steps of converting and interpreting the electrical signal to derive configuration information encoded in the electrical signal. The term "display means" may be substituted by "display device".

[0012] The use in this document of the verb "to understand", its variants, and its conjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. Similarly, the use in this document of the indefinite article "un", "une", or the definite article "le", "la" or "I'", to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

[0013] In one embodiment, the verification result is "successful" when the configuration information of the turbomachine encoded in the coding cap corresponds to that stored in the non-volatile memory. Preferably, the verification result is described as "successful" when the configuration information of the turbomachine encoded in the coding cap is identical to that stored in the non-volatile memory. In this case, the configurations of the coding cap are considered correct and conform to the specifications expected for the turbomachine. Conversely, if differences are detected between the two information sets, this indicates a non-conformity, and the verification result is considered failed, signaling an error or inconsistency that must be corrected. This ensures that only fully validated information data stored in memory is used for turbomachine configuration.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display means is an LCD screen. The use of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen allows the display of structured information, including text. Advantageously, this allows not only the verification result (e.g., passed or failed) to be displayed, but also details about the configuration information being verified. The use of an LCD screen also allows immediate feedback on the verification process. Operators can instantly see the results, facilitating rapid intervention if necessary.

[0015] In another embodiment, the electronic interfacing circuit is capable of extracting an N-bit digital signal, N > 2. The electrical signal to be extracted is expressed in N-bit digital format, where "N" may vary depending on the complexity and quantity of the data to be encoded in the coding cap. An N-bit digital format means that the configuration information in the coding cap is converted into a binary sequence consisting of N- positions, each position being able to have a value of '0' or '1'. Advantageously, this allows easier processing of the electrical signal. Thus operations such as decoding, comparison and analysis can be automated and performed with high speed.

[0016] In another embodiment, the verification system further comprising light sources, where each light source is arranged to represent a respective encoded bit of the configuration information encoded in the encoding cap, each light source being illuminated when the respective bit has a value of '1'. This allows for a quick and intuitive interpretation of the state of each of the bits encoding the configuration information in the encoding cap. This is achieved without having to analyze a screen or software. This also provides immediate feedback when changing configurations or programming of the coding cap, making the update process more efficient. If the operator changes the wiring or encoding of the cap, the light sources react in real time, allowing instant adjustment without waiting for a full system analysis. In the event of a fault, whether a light source is on or off can be a useful aid in quickly locating a faulty pin or a short circuit problem in the coding cap.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the electronic interfacing circuit comprises a signal conditioning circuit. This aims to ensure that the extracted electrical signal is in the appropriate format to be correctly interpreted by the analysis module.

[0018] In one embodiment, the verification system is capable of verifying data encoded in two coding caps. Advantageously, the system allows data from two separate sources to be verified. This makes the system more flexible and capable of adapting to different operational situations to verify multiple coding caps without hardware modifications.

[0019] In one embodiment, the verification system comprises a selector allowing a user to select a choice, the verification system being able to verify the data encoded in one of the coding caps according to the selected choice. Preferably, the selector allows the user to manually choose which coding cap can be verified at a given time. The user can then decide to verify the data of only one cap at a time, according to specific needs. In practice, this selector allows a choice between 2 coding caps belonging to 2 different turbomachines. This makes it possible to duplicate the decoding functions on a single box, thus avoiding the multiplication of decoding boxes. The memory can be adapted to store verification configuration information for each of the coding caps.Once the choice is selected, the system accesses the specific part of memory where the associated configuration information is stored. This allows for a direct and efficient correspondence between the user's selection and the information needed for verification.

[0020] The invention also proposes a method for encoded data in a coding plug of an aircraft turbomachine, and comprising the following steps: • provide a verification system according to any of the aforementioned embodiments; • store, in the non-volatile memory of said verification system, configuration information for the turbomachine; • couple said coding cap to the verification system via its input; • extract an electrical signal following the coupling of the coding cap with the verification system; • decode the extracted electrical signal to deduce configuration information of the turbomachine encoded in the coding plug; • compare the configuration information from the previous step with that stored in non-volatile memory; • based on this comparison, determine a verification result; • display information representative of the verification result.

[0021] The advantages presented for the system according to the first aspect of the invention apply to the method, mutatis mutandis. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures, among which: - figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a verification system according to the invention; - figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of configuration information of a turbomachine, verified by a verification system according to the invention; - figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a verification system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The drawings of the figures are not to scale. Like elements are generally denoted by like references in the figures. For the purposes of this document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered as limiting, including when these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims. Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments of the Invention

[0024] This section presents a detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention. The latter is described with particular embodiments and references to figures but the invention is not limited by them. In particular, the drawings and figures described below are only schematic and are not limiting.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a data verification system 3 in a coding plug 11. At the heart of this system is a non-volatile memory 32, allowing the storage of configuration information of the turbomachine. This memory is chosen for its ability to retain data without electrical power, with technologies such as EEPROM flash memory. Preferably, the non-volatile memory 32 can also function as an on-board database, capable of storing several configuration information of the turbomachine, for the purpose of verifying several configuration information, encoded in the coding plug 11.

[0026] The coupling between the coding plug 11 and the verification system 3 is carried out via a specially designed input 31, to facilitate the transfer of data to the system 3. The coupling is preferably done by connection.

[0027] The system 3 further comprises an electronic interfacing circuit 33, which processes the electrical signal coming from the coding plug 11. This circuit 33 is equipped to manipulate the signal, and convert it into a digital format processable for an analysis module 34. The circuit 33 preferably comprises a circuit of signal conditioning. The conditioning circuit preferably includes pull-up resistors, ensuring stabilization of the electrical signal in the case of a digital signal in order to prevent false bit readings.

[0028] The analysis module 34, for its part, is responsible for decoding the electrical signal to deduce configuration information of the turbomachine encoded in the coding plug 11. This module 34 then compares this information to that previously stored in the non-volatile memory 32, performing a verification to confirm the accuracy of the information in the coding plug 11. The analysis module 34 is preferably a microcontroller or a microprocessor, which uses algorithms to perform the steps of decoding, comparison and determination of a verification result.

[0029] For example, in the case of complex configuration information, the analysis module 34 begins by deciphering the digital signal extracted from the coding plug 11. This involves, for example, separating the signal into its various constituent elements, each representing a specific part of the configuration information (for example, engine type, configuration options, etc.). Once the information has been decoded into its components, the analysis module 34 compares each element with the corresponding data stored in the non-volatile memory 32 of the system 3. This involves verifying the accuracy of each component of the information with respect to the configuration specifications stored in the memory 32 for the turbomachine concerned. A look-up table may, for example, be used.

[0030] Based on the comparison, the analysis module 34 determines the overall result of the verification. Preferably, if all the components of the composite information match the data in the memory 32, the result is “successful,” indicating that the configuration of the turbomachine is correct. If one or more components do not match, the result is “failed,” indicating an inconsistency or error in the encoded configurations. The segment-by-segment comparison thus makes it possible to precisely identify the location of the errors or discrepancies.

[0031] Alternatively, the analysis module 34 can, more simply, manipulate the complete information extracted from the coding plug 11 with that stored in the memory 34. This comparison is carried out in bulk, evaluating the entire combination as a single unit to determine whether the two pieces of information (encoded in the coding plug 11 and stored in the memory 32) are identical.

[0032] Finally, information representative of the verification result is displayed through a display means 35. The display means 35 is preferably an LCD screen.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of configuration information 2 of a turbomachine verified by a verification system 3 according to the invention. In this example, the model of the turbomachine is “LEAP-1 A”, being one of the models of the LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) family developed by CFM International. The configuration information 2 is preferably complex, being structured into several segments (20,21,22,23,24) of simple information, totaling for example, a sequence of 20 bits.

[0034] In this example, the first segment 20, forming part of the configuration information 2, is referenced as "Engine type". This segment adopts, for example, an alphanumeric format and is encoded on a sequence of 6 bits (15,41,26,44,52,40). For example, the sequence '011100' is used to represent the type "A33", providing an identification of the engine model used. This coding system allows a wide variety of combinations, offering a wide range of data for encoding the engine types of the turbomachine.

[0035] The second segment 21 of information 2, designated for example by the name "BUMP", refers to a specific configuration option of the turbomachine, and allowing two possible states: "Yes" or "NO". This data is for example, encoded on a sequence of 3 bits (48,55,56), simplifying the representation of this binary function.

[0036] The third segment 22 of information 2, named "N1 TRIM", concerns the calibration level of the rotation speed, for the precise adjustment of the turbomachine performance. This information is encoded, for example, in 4-bit digital format (28,18,19,30). An example of sequence '0001' translates the N1 TRIM value "0", illustrating the degree of calibration applied. Another example of sequence '0010' translates the N1 TRIM value "1", illustrating the degree of calibration applied. These 2 examples clearly show that for each sequence, a different decoding result is found as a function of reading the state of the corresponding internal non-volatile memory, and is in no way a function of any logic.

[0037] The fourth and fifth segments 24 and 23 respectively, called "HPT" and "Engine config" relate to the condition of the high pressure turbine, which is a parameter to evaluate the performance and health of the turbomachine, as well as the engine configuration. For example, the entire digital coding on 2 bits (27,36) and 5 bits (17,37,43,47,54); that is 7 bits in total translates the values ​​"HPT" and "Engine config". An example sequence '010000T is used here to indicate a specific configuration HPT "NO" and Engine config ll- II

[0038] For example, depending on the specific data to be encoded in the coding cap 11, it is not always necessary to use all of the possible values ​​allowed by each bit sequence. This means that some configurations of the turbomachine may require only a subset of the bit combinations available for each configuration information segment. For example, although a 6-bit sequence can theoretically represent 64 different configurations (from 0 to 63 in decimal value), in practice, only a portion of these values ​​may be used to represent specific engine types for a given turbomachine.

[0039] Furthermore, the electrical signal resulting from the coding of the configuration information 2, generated by the coding cap, is preferably digital. It is preferably transmitted via a multi-pin output, preferably in a parallel format where each bit of the bit sequence is simultaneously transmitted on its own pin.

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a data verification system 3 in one embodiment. Figure 3 illustrates, for example, a robust housing 5 that encapsulates the electronic elements of the verification system 3.

[0041] At the heart of this system 3 is preferably a series of light sources 6, for example LEDs, arranged to visually represent the sequence of bits of the configuration information 2 encoded in the coding cap 11.

[0042] These LEDs 6 can be arranged in a straight line or organized in distinct groups (as illustrated in Figure 3) to symbolize different sections of the encoded data, thus providing an immediate visual interpretation. Each LED is preferably lit, when the value of the corresponding bit is '1'. This feature allows an intuitive visualization of the binary state of each bit of the signal, providing a user with a direct method to understand the composition of the information encoded in the coding cap 11.

[0043] In addition, a display means 35, for example an LCD screen, is provided to display information representative of the result of the verification. This screen 35 is for example capable of displaying detailed information on the configuration information encoded in the coding cap 11, including the conformity of the latter with respect to the expected specifications.

[0044] The display can, for example, vary from simple indications of conformity or non-conformity to more detailed information on specific segments (20,21,22,23,24) of the verified configuration information 2 (as illustrated in Figure 3).

[0045] Preferably, the verification system 3 comprises an input 31, for example in the form of a female connector, which serves as a physical interface for connecting the coding plug 11 to the verification system 3. This connector 31 is designed to facilitate a stable and reliable connection between the plug 11 and the verification system 3, ensuring adequate transmission of data for verification.

[0046] The system 3 preferably comprises a selector 8 which is, for example, a lever switch 8. This allows a user to make a choice between two different potential turbomachines (66,77) for verification. This functionality allows a targeted selection of the turbomachine (66,77) relative to the coding plug 11 to be verified. For example, the choice can be made between the LEAP 1 A 66 turbomachine and the LEAP 1 B 77 turbomachine. Preferably, the selector 8 is directly connected to the analysis module 34, ensuring that the verification process adjusts according to the selection made by the user. Indeed, when two different turbomachines use an identical or partially common binary encoding, the risk of interpretation error is real if the verification does not take into account the interpretation context (i.e. the database associated with each type of turbomachine). Advantageously, by explicitly selecting the turbomachine concerned, the selector 8 makes it possible to point to the correct configuration database in the non-volatile memory.This ensures that the binary information read is correctly interpreted according to the correct reference system. This allows the use of the same physical reading and comparison device, even when the binary codes are equivalent but have different meanings depending on the turbomachine (for example, '011100' could mean Engine Type 1 for LEAP-1A, but Engine Type 3 for LEAP-1 B). The selector therefore makes it possible to dynamically link the signal interpretation to the selected turbomachine, ensuring accurate identification and validation adapted to the actual configuration.

[0047] The electronic components of the verification system 3, namely the analysis module 34, the interfacing circuits 33, the memory 32, as well as the necessary connections for the LED light sources 6 and the LCD screen 35, are preferably integrated on a printed circuit board (not shown). The PCB serves as a structural platform to physically and electrically organize all the components in a compact arrangement.

[0048] A power source (not shown), preferably of the onboard 9Vdc battery or cell type, is chosen for its ability to provide a stable and sufficient voltage to power all the electronic components integrated on the PCB board. Preferably, the state of charge of this battery or cell is constantly monitored by the integrated microcontroller. If a low charge level is detected, a display on the LCD screen immediately informs the operator, and all decoding is temporarily disabled, until the battery is replaced or the battery is empty. This function is implemented to ensure the reliability of decoding coding caps.

[0049] In summary, the invention relates to a system 3 for verifying data in a coding plug 11 of a turbomachine, intended to automatically verify the accuracy of the configuration information 2. This system integrates an interfacing circuit 33, a non-volatile memory 32, and an analysis module 34 for decoding, comparing the configuration information 2 and displaying the results. This solution aims to improve the reliability and safety of turbomachine configurations by reducing human errors.

[0050] The present invention has been described above in relation to specific embodiments, which are of purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the examples illustrated or described above, and that its scope is more broadly defined by the claims introduced below.

Claims

Claims 1. System (3) for verifying data encoded in a coding plug (11) of an aircraft turbomachine and comprising: • a non-volatile memory (32) for storing configuration information of the turbomachine; • an input (31) for coupling said coding plug (11) to the verification system (3); • an electronic interfacing circuit (33) connected to the input, capable of extracting an electrical signal following coupling of the coding plug (11) with the verification system (3) via its input; • an analysis module (34) configured to: - decoding the electrical signal extracted via said electronic interfacing circuit to deduce therefrom information (2) on the configuration of the turbomachine encoded in the coding plug; - compare the information (2) on the configuration of the turbomachine encoded in the coding plug with that stored in the non-volatile memory (32); - determine a verification result, based on this comparison; • a display means (35) for displaying information representative of said verification result.

2. Verification system (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the verification result is qualified as successful when the information (2) on the configuration of the turbomachine encoded in the coding plug corresponds to that stored in the non-volatile memory (32).

3. Verification system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display means (35) comprises an LCD screen.

4. Verification system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic interfacing circuit (33) is capable of extracting a digital signal of N-bits, N > 2.

5. Verification system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising light sources (6), wherein each light source is arranged to represent a respective coded bit of the configuration information (2) encoded in the coding cap (11), characterized in that each light source (6) is lit when said respective bit has a value '1'.

6. Verification system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interfacing circuit (33) comprises a signal conditioning circuit.

7. Verification system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, capable of verifying data encoded in two coding plugs (11).

8. Verification system (3) according to the preceding claim, comprising a selector (8) allowing a user to select a choice, said verification system (3) being capable of verifying the data encoded in one of said two coding caps according to the selected choice.

9. Method for verifying data encoded in a coding plug (11) of an aircraft turbomachine, and comprising the following steps: • provide a verification system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims; • store, at the level of the non-volatile memory (32) of said verification system (3), configuration information of the turbomachine; • coupling said coding plug (11) to the verification system (3) via its input (31); • extract an electrical signal following the coupling of the coding plug (11) with the verification system (3); • decode the extracted electrical signal to deduce information (2) on the configuration of the turbomachine encoded in the coding plug; • compare the configuration information (2) from the previous step with that stored in the non-volatile memory (32); “on the basis of this comparison, determine a verification result; • display information representative of said verification result.

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