Aircraft Thrust Reverser Braking Strategy Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircrafts face challenges in determining optimal braking strategies during landing, particularly with thrust reversers, which affect turnaround times and cooling of wheels, impacting operational efficiency and environmental considerations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that calculate predictive braking powers and turnaround times for thrust reversers at maximum and idle speeds, providing pilots with decision-making assistance on braking strategies and runway exit selection to optimize cooling times and operational constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If thrust reversers are used at maximum speed for braking, then braking power is improved, but wheel heating increases and turnaround time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking powerVSAvoidturnaround time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates and compares turnaround times for different thrust reverser operating parameters (maximum speed vs. idle speed), enabling the pilot to select the optimal parameter setting based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by showing that parameter optimization can balance braking power needs with turnaround time constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If thrust reversers are used at maximum speed for braking, then braking power is improved, but fuel consumption and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking powerVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables comparison of fuel consumption and emissions between maximum speed and idle speed thrust reverser operation, allowing pilots to choose idle speed operation when sufficient braking power is available, thus reducing energy loss while maintaining adequate braking performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If thrust reversers are used at maximum speed for braking, then braking power is improved, but noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking powerVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows pilots to evaluate noise implications by comparing thrust reverser operation at maximum speed versus idle speed, enabling selection of lower noise operation at idle speed when operational conditions permit, thus reducing harmful noise effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If thrust reversers are used at idle speed for braking, then fuel consumption is reduced, but braking power decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidbraking power

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of turnaround times and braking performance for both maximum speed and idle speed thrust reverser operation before landing, allowing pilots to make informed decisions about which braking strategy to employ based on predicted operational requirements and constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

5Loss of energy

If thrust reversers are used at idle speed for braking, then emissions are reduced, but braking power decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveemissionsVSAvoidbraking power

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates emissions implications and braking performance characteristics for both maximum speed and idle speed thrust reverser operation in advance, enabling pilots to select idle speed operation when emissions reduction is prioritized and sufficient braking power can be achieved through other means or acceptable performance levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables informed decision-making on thrust reverser usage, reducing fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, and noise while ensuring compatible turnaround times for future flights, and aiding strategic runway selection based on operational constraints.

Implementation Method 1

The purpose of such thrust reversers is to direct the thrust, exerted by the engine on which they are installed, ahead in order to slow down the aircraft while rolling along the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust reversal: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 2

braking on landing, performed by the brakes, causes heating of the wheels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction heating: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8355831B2Method and device for assisting in the piloting of an aircraft during a landing

Publication Date: 2013.01.15 AIRBUS (SAS)

AI summary

Method and device for assisting in the piloting of an aircraft during a landing.The device (1) contains means (10, 11) for calculating turnaround times depending on the use of thrust reversers upon landing, as well as means (11) to display these turnaround times.