Aircraft Thrust Reverser and Brake Control for Variable Landing Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft control systems require pilots to manually manage thrust reversers and brakes during landing or rejected takeoff, increasing pilot workload and potentially leading to component wear due to suboptimal deployment and operation based on varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated control system that automatically manages thrust reverser and brake deployment by detecting landing or takeoff conditions, adjusting control parameters based on factors like runway length, weather, and aircraft state, and includes health monitoring of components to optimize operation and reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pilots manually manage thrust reversers and brakes during landing, then pilot control and decision-making are maintained, but pilot workload increases and component wear may occur due to suboptimal deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically manages thrust reverser and brake deployment based on detected landing conditions, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous pilot intervention. The controller monitors parameters like runway length, weather, and aircraft state to autonomously determine optimal deployment timing and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors current conditions during landing (runway state, aircraft speed, weather conditions) and adjusts thrust reverser and brake control parameters in real-time based on this feedback, optimizing component operation and reducing wear while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If thrust reversers and brakes are manually controlled, then pilot judgment is used, but component wear increases due to suboptimal deployment based on varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts control parameters for thrust reverser deployment and brake operation based on real-time conditions including runway length, weather, aircraft weight, and speed. This optimization ensures components operate within ideal parameters, reducing wear and extending lifespan while maintaining reliable performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system checks the operational and health state of thrust reversers prior to initiating automated control, and determines optimal deployment parameters in advance based on detected landing conditions, preventing suboptimal operation that could lead to excessive wear or failure.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented, then pilot workload is reduced and operation is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple functions into a single system: detecting landing conditions, monitoring aircraft state and environmental factors, determining optimal thrust reverser and brake parameters, and executing controlled deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while improving landing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of an aircraft includes a thrust reverser control configured to control deployment of one or more thrust reversers of the aircraft, a brake control configured to control operation of one or more brakes of the aircraft, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect a landing condition of the aircraft, determine one or more thrust reverser deployment and brake control parameters for one or more current conditions at a target location of the aircraft, and control the one or more thrust reversers and the one or more brakes upon landing at the target location based on the one or more thrust reverser deployment and brake control parameters. The controller can modify one or more control parameters of the aircraft based on detecting a change in the one or more current conditions at the target location or a fault condition of the aircraft.