Aircraft Ground Movement Engine Switch-On Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft pilots face challenges in determining the optimal time and location to switch on the second propulsion engine during ground movement at airports due to varying taxiway configurations, climate conditions, and airport traffic, which complicates fuel efficiency and waiting time management.

Innovation Solution

A system that collects and analyzes data on previous events such as engine switch-on occurrences across an airport, providing occurrence rates per geolocation point on a graphical taxiway map, allowing pilots to decide on the best location for operations based on historical data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If only one propulsion engine is switched on during ground movement to save fuel, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the second engine must be switched on at an optimal time which is difficult to determine due to varying taxiway configurations and airport conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidwaiting time at runway threshold

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of historical flight data to pre-determine optimal geolocation points for switching on the second engine. By analyzing past phases of movement over ground from multiple aircraft, the system identifies locations where engine switch-on operations were successfully performed, allowing current pilots to make informed decisions before reaching critical points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system collects and processes feedback from historical operational data, including taxiway configurations, climate conditions, airport traffic patterns, and actual engine switch-on timing. This feedback is used to calculate occurrence rates and provide recommendations that improve fuel efficiency while ensuring timely engine availability for takeoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If the second engine is switched on earlier to ensure readiness for takeoff, then waiting time at runway threshold is minimized, but fuel savings are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaiting time at runway thresholdVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates optimal engine switch-on points by analyzing historical data before the current flight phase begins. This allows pilots to switch on the second engine at the precise moment needed - no earlier, no later - eliminating both premature engine operation and last-minute rushing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the optimal engine switch-on point based on varying parameters such as taxiway configuration, climate conditions, airport traffic, and specific flight requirements. This allows optimization for each unique situation rather than using fixed timing rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If pilots rely on manual determination of optimal engine switch-on timing based on experience, then flexibility to adapt to varying airport conditions is maintained, but decision accuracy is reduced due to complexity of taxiway configurations and varying conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to airport conditionsVSAvoiddecision accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system acts as an intermediary between historical data and pilot decision-making. It processes complex multi-parameter data (taxiway configurations, climate, traffic patterns) and translates it into simple, actionable recommendations showing occurrence rates at specific geolocation points, enhancing pilot decision accuracy without removing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual experience-based judgment with data-driven analysis. By substituting human cognitive processing with automated computational analysis of historical flight data, the system achieves higher precision in determining optimal engine switch-on points while maintaining adaptability through configurable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250006067A1System for assisting with operations to be effected in an aircraft during a phase of moving over the ground in an airport

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A method for assisting with operations to be effected during a phase of movement over the ground in an airport. The method comprises: obtaining, for at least one phase of movement over the ground performed in an airport, by an aircraft of a fleet, data each representative of one event of a list of events, and a geolocation point of the event and a condition of the phase of movement over the ground; determining, for at least one route, an occurrence rate of each event realized on the route, and per geolocation point, solely on the basis of the data for which the condition of the phase of movement over the ground meets a predefined criterion. A datum representative of a determined occurrence rate and of an associated geolocation point are provided. Also a system.