Aircraft Torque Sensor Noise Detection for Reliable Powerplant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting faults in torque sensors of aircraft systems are inadequate, particularly in identifying noise-related malfunctions that can lead to inaccurate torque signal readings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a torque sensor, such as a phonic wheel, to generate a torque signal, and a controller to determine a noise parameter, specifically a signal-to-noise ratio, to identify faults when the ratio exceeds a threshold, allowing for accurate torque measurement and control operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fault detection methods are used for torque sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inability to detect noise-related faults
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively monitoring only the noise parameter (signal-to-noise ratio) of the torque signal rather than analyzing all possible signal characteristics. This targeted approach detects noise-related faults effectively while avoiding the complexity of comprehensive signal analysis systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical fault detection mechanisms with an electronic signal processing approach. By substituting physical inspection methods with electronic noise parameter analysis, the system achieves higher measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity
2Reliability
If noise parameter monitoring is implemented to detect torque sensor faults, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the critical noise parameter (signal-to-noise ratio) from the torque signal for monitoring purposes. By isolating and monitoring this specific parameter rather than analyzing the entire signal spectrum, the system improves reliability while keeping processing complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The torque sensor system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own noise characteristics. The controller analyzes the signal-to-noise ratio of the torque signal generated by the sensor itself, enabling the system to detect its own faults without requiring external monitoring equipment, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Measurement precision
If signal-to-noise ratio analysis is used to identify faults, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to continuous monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by calculating only the essential noise parameter (signal-to-noise ratio) rather than performing comprehensive signal analysis. This selective computation maintains high fault detection accuracy while minimizing processing time for each torque signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating an aircraft system. During this method, a shaft of an aircraft powerplant is rotated. A torque signal is received indicative of a torque applied to the shaft while the shaft is rotating. A noise parameter is determined indicative of noise in the torque signal. A fault is identified in the torque signal when the noise parameter is equal to or greater than a threshold.