Aircraft Braking Distributed Sensor Processor Wiring Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft braking systems require substantial onboard space and weight due to extensive wiring and electronic equipment, particularly in smaller aircraft, where space is limited and valuable.

Innovation Solution

A distributed sensor processor unit concentrates braking command signals from multiple sensors and generates a brake control signal via a serial connection, reducing the need for extensive wiring and allowing the brake system control unit to be located remotely, with redundant systems for enhanced reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If extensive wiring is used for electrical systems and controls, then reliability and functionality are improved, but weight and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces extensive electrical wiring with a wireless communication system. Sensors transmit braking command signals wirelessly to the distributed sensor processor unit, eliminating the need for physical wire connections while maintaining system reliability and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If extensive wiring is used for electrical systems, then functionality is maintained, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system eliminates the time-consuming process of installing extensive wiring throughout the aircraft. Sensors and control units communicate wirelessly, dramatically reducing installation time while preserving full system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If centralized brake system control unit is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidonboard space

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the brake system control into distributed components: sensor processor units located near sensors and a central brake system control unit. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality while reducing the space required in any single location, particularly in the cockpit area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Weight of stationary object

If distributed sensor processor unit is used remotely, then wiring is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring weightVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distributed sensor processor unit performs multiple functions: receiving wireless signals from sensors, processing braking commands, verifying sensor health, and communicating with the brake system control unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for extensive wiring while managing system complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8565939B2Distributed pedal system for aircraft

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A braking system that can reduce wiring without sacrificing performance. The system includes a data concentrator in the form of a distributed sensor processor unit for receiving braking command signals from a plurality of sensors and, based on the command signals, generating a brake control signal to be sent to a brake system control unit via a serial connection or the like.