Aircraft Lubricant Detection System Using Threshold-Based Increment Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring engine lubricant consumption in aircraft are manual, prone to human error, and lack timeliness, leading to inaccuracies and delays in data collection, which can compromise flight safety.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically detect lubricant addition by measuring the difference in lubricant quantity over specific time periods, using threshold values to determine lubricant increments, and calculating an average increment value, while correcting for measurement intervals and potential power breaks, to accurately calculate lubricant consumption rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual lubricant addition and data recording is performed by ground crew, then the system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and data accuracy deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-monitoring of lubricant quantity through sensors and automated data recording, eliminating the need for manual ground crew intervention. The aircraft system automatically detects lubricant levels, calculates consumption rates, and transmits data to the airline company, thereby maintaining low complexity while achieving high measurement precision through automated electronic measurement and processing.
2Device complexity
If manual lubricant addition and data input is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to huge manpower requirements and time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic lubricant quantity monitoring, calculation of consumption rates, and data transmission without requiring ground crew intervention. The automated system continuously tracks lubricant levels and immediately transmits data to the airline company, dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual data collection and processing steps while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (ground crew physically adding lubricant and recording data) with electronic and automated systems. Sensors automatically detect lubricant quantity, electronic processors calculate consumption rates, and digital communication systems transmit data to the airline company, substituting human labor with automated electronic mechanisms to enhance productivity.
3Device complexity
If manual data input and upload is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time occurs due to delays in obtaining lubricant consumption data
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous automatic monitoring of lubricant quantity and continuous transmission of data to the airline company. The automated system operates without interruption, continuously tracking lubricant levels and immediately transmitting consumption data, thereby eliminating the time delays inherent in manual data collection, processing, and upload processes while maintaining a relatively simple system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the slow manual process of data input and upload with rapid electronic detection and digital communication systems. Sensors continuously detect lubricant quantity and electronic systems immediately calculate and transmit data to the airline company, substituting time-consuming manual operations with fast electronic mechanisms to minimize time loss.
4Measurement precision
If automated lubricant monitoring system is implemented, then measurement precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated monitoring system is divided into distinct functional modules: a sensor module for detecting lubricant quantity, a processing module for calculating consumption rates, and a communication module for transmitting data to the airline company. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function with high precision while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through modular design and clear functional separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting addition of engine lubricant, comprising: determining whether the difference value between the lubricant quantity at a first timing and that at a second timing is greater than a first threshold value; delaying a period and determining whether the difference value between the lubricant quantity at a third timing and that at a fourth timing is greater than a second threshold value in response to that the difference value between the lubricant quantity at the first timing and that at the second timing is greater than the first threshold value; and detecting the lubricant increment in response to that the difference value between the lubricant quantity at the third timing and that at the fourth timing is greater than the second threshold value.