Aircraft Engine Power Setting by Flight Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine control systems are inefficient as they use a single predetermined engine rating for multiple phases of flight, leading to suboptimal performance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically determine and set the target power of an aircraft engine based on the current phase of flight, using parameters like altitude, speed, and air temperature to select or interpolate between multiple engine ratings, thereby optimizing power settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single predetermined engine rating is used for multiple phases of flight, then the engine control system is simple and easy to operate, but the engine performance and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, fixed engine rating system to a dynamic system that automatically adjusts the engine rating based on detected flight phases. The controller continuously monitors flight parameters (altitude, speed, attitude) and adapts the engine rating in real-time to match the current flight phase, thereby optimizing performance while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of engine rating from a fixed predetermined value to a variable parameter that changes according to flight phase. By detecting flight phase parameters (altitude, speed, attitude) and selecting appropriate engine ratings from multiple available ratings, the system optimizes engine performance for each specific flight condition while keeping the control interface simple.
2Productivity
If multiple engine ratings are used for different phases of flight, then engine performance and efficiency improve, but the engine control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the engine control system to automatically detect flight phases and select appropriate engine ratings without pilot intervention. The controller autonomously monitors flight parameters, determines the current flight phase, and adjusts the engine rating accordingly, thereby achieving optimized performance while maintaining simple operation through automated self-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring flight phase parameters (altitude, speed, attitude) and using this information to automatically adjust the engine rating. The system creates a closed-loop control where the detected flight phase feeds back to the controller, which then selects the appropriate engine rating, optimizing performance while managing complexity through intelligent automation.
3Device complexity
If a fixed predetermined engine rating is used, then the control system is simple, but energy efficiency and fuel consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static engine rating to a dynamic adjustment mechanism that adapts the engine rating to the current flight phase. The controller continuously monitors flight parameters and adjusts the engine rating in real-time, optimizing fuel efficiency for each phase while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engine rating parameter from fixed to variable based on flight phase detection. By selecting from multiple available engine ratings according to the detected flight phase (using flight parameters like altitude, speed, and attitude), the system optimizes energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption while keeping the control interface simple through automated parameter adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for setting a target power of an aircraft engine are described herein. A power lever position is obtained (302). At least one flight condition indicative of a phase of flight of the aircraft is obtained (304). A maximum rated power of the engine is determined for one or more engine rating based on the phase of flight (306). The target power of the engine is set based on the power lever position and the maximum rated power of the one or more engine ratings (308).