Aircraft Auto-Brake Control for Runway Exit Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic braking systems for aircraft lack flexibility and efficiency, leading to increased passenger discomfort, excessive thermal energy generation by the brake system, and prolonged runway occupancy times due to inadequate consideration of landing conditions and runway management.
Innovation Solution
An auto-brake control system with a brake-to-exit function that determines whether the aircraft can decelerate to a selected velocity before reaching a target location along the runway, automatically controlling the braking system to achieve this velocity, thereby optimizing deceleration and reducing runway occupancy time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If maximum braking is applied to reach the first exit, then runway occupancy time is reduced, but thermal energy generation by the brake system increases and brake wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system dynamically adjusts brake application based on real-time conditions including aircraft weight, center of gravity position, and environmental factors. The control system modulates brake pressure continuously rather than applying fixed maximum braking, optimizing the balance between deceleration performance and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including brake pressure, deceleration rate, and timing based on aircraft configuration (flaps, spoilers, thrust reversers). By coordinating these parameters, the system achieves efficient deceleration while distributing thermal load across different energy dissipation mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If maximum braking is applied to reach the first exit, then runway occupancy time is reduced, but brake wear increases and departure time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the complete flight sequence including landing, taxiing, and takeoff. It calculates optimal braking strategies that consider the entire timeline, ensuring brakes are not overheated before required takeoff while still achieving quick runway exit. This preliminary planning prevents unnecessary brake cooling delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking strategy dynamically adapts based on the aircraft's operational context. If the next scheduled operation requires immediate takeoff, the system modulates brake application to preserve brake life. If taxi time is sufficient for cooling, more aggressive braking is permitted. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the trade-off between runway occupancy and brake availability.
3Device complexity
If fixed deceleration levels are used without considering landing conditions, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different runway and weather conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system automatically senses and adapts to current conditions including runway surface type (dry, wet, contaminated), weather parameters, and aircraft configuration. It performs self-adjustment without pilot intervention, selecting appropriate deceleration profiles and coordinating with other deceleration devices. This self-service capability provides high adaptability while maintaining simple operation for the pilot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual deceleration performance and compares it with target profiles. Based on feedback from accelerometers, speed sensors, and environmental sensors, it dynamically adjusts brake pressure to maintain optimal deceleration. This closed-loop control provides adaptability to varying conditions while keeping the control logic manageable through standardized feedback processing.
4Device complexity
If pilot visually estimates exit reachability, then system complexity is minimized, but measurement precision of deceleration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the pilot's visual estimation and manual judgment with automated electronic sensors and computer-based calculations. Accelerometers, speed sensors, and position systems continuously measure actual deceleration performance and predict exit reachability with high precision. This substitution of mechanical/pilot judgment with electronic measurement systems dramatically improves accuracy while keeping the overall system manageable through standard avionics integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic braking system controller automatically decelerates an aircraft on a runway according to a brake-to-exit or a constant deceleration function. The automatic braking system controller determines whether the aircraft can decelerate to a selected velocity prior to reaching a target location along the runway. In response to determining that the aircraft can decelerate to the selected velocity prior to reaching the target location, the automatic braking system controller automatically decelerates the aircraft with a comfortable deceleration profile such that the aircraft reaches the selected velocity at the target location.