Aircraft Brake Pedal Sensor Failure Detection Algorithm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack reliable methods to determine brake pedal sensor failure in aircraft, which can lead to uncommanded braking and potential catastrophic situations, necessitating proactive detection and notification of sensor malfunctions to ensure safe operation.

Innovation Solution

A brake pedal sensor test system comprising a sensor to measure deflection, a control system to assess measurements for non-conforming inputs, and a notification system to alert crew members of potential failures, using algorithms to differentiate between human-generated and non-human input patterns, deviations, and mechanical constraints to determine sensor validity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If brake pedal sensors are used to measure braking levels, then braking control is enabled, but sensor failure can cause uncommanded braking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking controlVSAvoidsensor failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of sensor readings by comparing current brake pedal sensor data with historical data and expected human input patterns before accepting the input for braking control. This preliminary action detects potential sensor failures before they cause uncommanded braking, resolving the contradiction by maintaining sensor-based control while filtering out faulty readings through predictive analysis of input patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor brake pedal sensor readings, compare them against expected human input characteristics, and adjust braking control decisions based on this comparison. When sensor readings deviate from expected patterns, the system generates alerts and can override faulty sensor inputs, thereby maintaining reliable braking control while using sensor feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If sensor readings are accepted without validation, then braking response is fast, but uncommanded braking may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking responseVSAvoiduncommanded braking

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial validation by comparing sensor readings against expected human input patterns and historical data, accepting readings that conform to these patterns while rejecting those that don't. This partial validation approach provides sufficient protection against uncommanded braking without excessively delaying legitimate braking responses, balancing speed and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If brake pedal sensor monitoring is implemented, then sensor failure detection is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor failure detectionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing brake pedal sensor data for both its primary function (braking control) and for self-validation (failure detection). By analyzing the temporal patterns and characteristics of sensor readings against expected human input patterns, the system performs self-diagnosis without requiring separate monitoring sensors or complex additional hardware, thereby enabling reliable failure detection while minimizing added system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system leverages the existing brake pedal sensor infrastructure to serve multiple functions: primary braking control and failure detection. By making the sensor system multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable failure detection capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8280603B2System and method to determine brake pedal sensor failure

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for determining aircraft brake pedal sensor failure are provided. A brake pedal sensor and/or a brake pedal may be “failed” if brake pedal sensor readings unlikely to be generated as a result of human input are detected. The method comprises acquiring brake pedal measurements from a brake pedal sensor, determining a state of the brake pedal sensor, and providing a notification of the state. Each brake pedal measurement comprises a brake pedal deflection amount. The brake pedal sensor test algorithm may be conducted at regular intervals, in preparation for aircraft landing, at the request of a human operator, and the like.