Aircraft Brake Control Logic for Sensor Failure Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft brake systems face reliability issues due to transient or failing sensor readings, which can compromise differential braking control during emergency conditions.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with multiple sensors per pedal and advanced signal processing logic to validate and compare signals, generating an output signal for each pedal and providing emergency brake control logic to ensure consistent braking force across both brakes, even in the event of sensor failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used per pedal to improve reliability, then sensor failure resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system divides the sensing function into multiple independent sensors (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor) per pedal, allowing individual sensor failure without complete system failure. Each sensor independently monitors pedal position, and the system processes signals from multiple sensors to determine overall pedal state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor signals and compares readings from multiple sensors to detect failures. The brake control unit receives feedback from sensors, validates signals by comparing consistency, and adjusts control accordingly when sensor failures are detected, maintaining reliable brake operation throughout the sensor's lifecycle.
2Measurement precision
If sensor signal validation and comparison logic is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of sensor signals by comparing readings from multiple sensors before using them for brake control. The brake control unit checks signal consistency and detects failures in advance, preventing erroneous control actions based on faulty sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control unit acts as an intermediary between multiple sensors and the brake actuation system. It receives, validates, and processes signals from multiple sensors, filtering out erroneous readings and selecting valid signals to ensure accurate pedal position measurement is transmitted to the brake control mechanism.
3Reliability
If emergency brake control logic is implemented to maintain consistent braking force, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for sensor failures by having pre-programmed emergency brake control logic that activates automatically when sensor failures are detected. This logic ensures consistent braking force is maintained across all brakes even under emergency conditions, cushioning against the impact of sensor failures on overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control unit changes control parameters and strategies based on sensor validity assessments. When sensor failures are detected, the system transitions from normal differential braking control to emergency brake control mode, adjusting braking force distribution to maintain safety while accommodating the degraded sensor input condition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A brake system for an aircraft is provided according to various embodiments. The system may include a left pedal arrangement comprising a left pedal (22), a first left sensor (30) to generate a first left signal in response to translation of the left pedal. The system also includes a right pedal arrangement comprising a right pedal (24), a first right sensor (30) to generate a first right signal in response to translation of the right pedal. Normal brake control logic (52) controls the brake system in response to a normal condition being set. The normal brake control logic commands a left brake based on the left signal, and a right brake based on the first right signal. Emergency brake control logic (54) controls the brake system in response to an emergency condition being set. The emergency brake control logic commands a same force to the left and right brakes based the left and right signals.