Aircraft Emergency Brake Input Device Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft emergency braking systems lack the capability for differential braking, which is essential for steering during emergency stops, and often require a separate emergency control box that is unnecessary in case of primary brake system failure.
Innovation Solution
A brake input device that allows for emergency and parking brake functions, enabling differential braking by generating specific brake signals for left and right brake assemblies, bypassing the primary brake system control unit and electromechanical actuator controllers during emergency operations, allowing direct control of actuators for steering during emergency stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate emergency control box is used to command EMACs during primary brake system failure, then emergency braking function is provided, but device complexity increases and steering capability during emergency stop is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency brake input device directly with the EMACs, eliminating the need for a separate emergency control box. The emergency brake input device is integrated into the existing brake system architecture, allowing direct control of EMACs during emergency operations while maintaining steering capability through differential brake signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency brake input device is designed to provide multiple functions: it can generate brake commands for all brakes simultaneously (emergency stop) and generate differential brake commands for individual brakes (steering during emergency stop). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control devices for different emergency scenarios.
2Reliability
If all brakes are activated equally during emergency stopping, then emergency stop function is achieved, but steering capability during emergency stop is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables local quality control by allowing the emergency brake input device to generate different brake commands for different brakes. The device can apply braking force selectively to individual brakes or combinations of brakes, enabling differential braking for steering purposes while maintaining the ability to apply all brakes simultaneously for emergency stopping.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method provide emergency differential braking for effecting braked steering of an aircraft. A brake input device is provided that not only allows for emergency and parking brake functions, but also enables differential braking. The brake input device (e.g., a parking and/or emergency brake lever, pedal, handle, etc.) can be used in a brake system including a brake system control unit (BSCU), one or more electro-mechanical actuator controllers (EMACs) and a brake assembly including one or more electrical actuators. Each EMAC is electrically coupled to one or more of the actuators so as to provide electrical power for driving the actuators. Each EMAC is also communicatively coupled to the BSCU so as to receive braking data therefrom. In an emergency, the input device sends braking signals directly to the brake actuators.