Aircraft Brake Control via Power Discrepancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft brake control systems fail to effectively prevent wheel lockup during braking, leading to tire wear and potential explosion, which can result in hazardous debris and loss of braking authority.
Innovation Solution
A brake control system that calculates the braking power discrepancy between aircraft kinetic energy and individual wheel braking power, using a controller to modulate braking pressure based on a threshold discrepancy value, thereby preventing wheel lockup by reducing pressure when the discrepancy exceeds the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wheel speed threshold detection is used to detect wheel lockup, then the system can detect when a wheel is on the verge of locking up, but the system fails to effectively prevent wheel lockup, leading to tire wear and potential explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wheel braking power and compares it to the expected braking power based on aircraft kinetic energy, creating a closed-loop feedback system. When the discrepancy exceeds a threshold, the system automatically reduces braking pressure, and when the discrepancy is within acceptable limits, it restores braking pressure, thereby effectively preventing wheel lockup while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates the expected braking power from aircraft kinetic energy before wheel lockup occurs and uses this as a reference to detect impending lockup conditions. By comparing actual wheel braking power to this pre-calculated expected value, the system can take preventive action before wheel lockup happens, rather than merely detecting it after the fact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If braking pressure is reduced to prevent wheel lockup, then tire explosion is avoided, but braking authority is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies braking pressure in periodic cycles: when the braking power discrepancy is within the threshold, full braking pressure is applied; when the discrepancy exceeds the threshold, pressure is reduced to prevent lockup; and when the discrepancy returns to acceptable levels, pressure is restored. This periodic application and release of braking pressure maintains both tire safety and braking authority throughout the braking process
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies full braking pressure (excessive action) when conditions permit, maximizing braking authority, and reduces to partial braking pressure only when necessary to prevent wheel lockup. This approach ensures that braking authority is maintained at maximum levels for as much of the braking process as possible, while still preventing tire damage
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for controlling aircraft brakes. A brake control system may comprise a controller (110), and a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicate with the controller. The tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the controller, cause the controller to perform operations comprising: determining a braking power discrepancy of a wheel (eP,i), comparing the braking power discrepancy of the wheel (eP,i) to a threshold discrepancy value, and modulating a braking pressure applied to the wheel based on the comparison of the braking power discrepancy of the wheel (eP,i) to the threshold discrepancy value.