Aircraft Throttle Position Validation Using Triple Sensor Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining aircraft throttle lever angle are not optimized for accuracy and reliability, leading to potential operational discrepancies in aircraft engine control.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple sensors connected to an electronic engine controller (EEC) that obtains and compares throttle position measurements from different sensors, detects mismatches, and selects a valid position based on a third sensor to ensure accurate throttle position determination, thereby providing a control signal for engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure throttle position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into multiple independent sensors (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor) that each measure throttle position separately. This segmentation allows cross-validation of measurements to improve precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic engine controller continuously compares measurements from multiple sensors and uses feedback logic to detect mismatches. When discrepancies are detected, the system can identify and compensate for sensor errors, thereby improving measurement precision through active monitoring and correction.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors with comparison logic are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant sensors and pre-programmed comparison logic that anticipates potential sensor failures. By having backup measurement paths and predetermined mismatch detection criteria stored in the electronic engine controller, the system cushions against reliability issues before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic engine controller performs self-diagnosis by automatically comparing sensor outputs and detecting mismatches. The system monitors its own health status and can identify faulty sensors without external intervention, thereby improving reliability through autonomous fault detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems (200) and methods for determining a throttle position of an aircraft are described herein. A first throttle position is obtained from a first sensor (221), a second throttle position is obtained from a second sensor (222), and a third throttle position is obtained from a third sensor (223). The three sensors (221, 222, 223) are separately coupled to a throttle (220) of the aircraft for obtaining independent throttle position measurements therefrom. A difference between the first throttle position and the second throttle position is determined. A mismatch is detected when the difference between the first throttle position and the second throttle position exceeds a threshold. A valid one of the first throttle position and the second throttle position is selected based on the third throttle position, in response to detecting the mismatch. A signal indicative of the throttle position is outputted based on the valid one of the first throttle position and the second throttle position.