Aircraft Air Parameter Selection Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for selecting air parameters in aircraft engine control are complex due to the need for robustness and insulation constraints, leading to intricate designs involving multiple comparisons and data exchanges between redundant sources.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the number of agreeing sources for each data source and selects the datum from the source with the maximum agreement number, allowing for simpler and more reliable data selection while maintaining robustness and adhering to engine insulation constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex selection logic with multiple comparisons is used to improve robustness, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary selection logic that acts as a mediator between multiple air parameter sources and the engine control system. This intermediary component systematically compares data from multiple sources using a structured approach (checking agreement between sources, determining majority consensus) to select reliable data without requiring complex exchange of precision information items between engines. The intermediary selection logic consolidates the complexity in a centralized location while maintaining simplicity at the engine level.
2Reliability
If data exchange between engines is implemented to maintain robustness, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data selection and comparison functionality from the engine control systems and places it in a separate, dedicated selection logic component. This extraction allows each engine to independently receive selected air parameter data without needing to exchange precision information items or comparison results with other engines. The complex selection process is taken out of the engine control path, simplifying the engine control architecture while maintaining robust data selection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple redundant sources are monitored with detailed comparison logic, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a selection logic that performs partial comparisons - specifically checking whether sources agree within a threshold and determining majority consensus - rather than performing exhaustive detailed analysis of all possible data combinations. This partial action approach (checking agreement, counting agreeing sources, selecting based on majority) achieves sufficient measurement precision for engine control without requiring complete exhaustive comparison of all data scenarios, thereby reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for selecting a datum representative of an air parameter, including a plurality of sources each capable of delivering a datum representative of a measured value of the parameter. The system includes: a mechanism for determining, for at least some sources, a number of other sources from the plurality of sources in agreement with a source in question; and a mechanism for selecting the datum selected from the data delivered by the sources for which the determined agreement number is the maximum. An engine control system, or an aircraft can include such a system or implement such a method.