Aircraft Engine Testing via Extended Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing aircraft engines are limited in their ability to fully test engines that are out of service or not fully functional, as they require complete onboard systems to operate, which can lead to certification issues and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses extended electrical and fuel conduits connecting a functional aircraft engine to a non-functional engine, allowing the former to operate and control the latter, enabling full functionality testing even when the engine lacks full support systems, utilizing existing connectors and conduits for power and signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extended conduits are used to connect a functional aircraft to a non-functional engine for testing, then the engine can be fully tested without complete onboard systems, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses extended electrical conduits and fuel conduits as intermediary elements to bridge the functional aircraft and the non-functional engine. These conduits act as mediators that transfer power, signals, and fuel across the physical separation, enabling the engine to operate and be tested without having its own complete onboard support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended conduit system serves multiple functions simultaneously: electrical conduits provide both power and signaling, fuel conduits deliver both motive and main fuel, and the same system can be used for different engine testing scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each testing requirement.
2Reliability
If a non-functional engine is tested using another aircraft's onboard systems, then certification requirements can be met, but the ease of operation decreases due to inter-aircraft connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary setup of extended conduits and connection protocols before engine testing begins. The electrical and fuel conduits are pre-configured with appropriate lengths and connection interfaces, and the inter-aircraft communication protocols are established in advance, allowing the actual engine testing to proceed with minimal operational complexity.
3Device complexity
If existing connectors and conduits are used for inter-aircraft connection, then additional equipment is minimized, but the length and adaptability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extended conduit system is designed with flexible routing capabilities and adjustable connection points that can adapt to different physical distances and configurations between aircraft. The conduits can be extended or rerouted as needed, providing dynamic adaptability to various testing scenarios without requiring completely different equipment for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for testing aircraft engine that are not currently associated with a functional aircraft or systems. For testing, systems on the engine being tested are connected with the reciprocating systems (e.g., engine electronic controls, main and motive fuel) on a fully functional aircraft using conduits that have been extended to lengths enabling the connection.