Aircraft Vibration Source Identification Using Flight Condition Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying aircraft vibrations are iterative, subjective, and resource-intensive, relying heavily on pilot and aircrew sensations, making maintenance operations complicated, time-consuming, and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that collect vibration-representative signals from sensors on board the aircraft, filter and verify them against a reference database, identify sources of vibration, request specific maneuvers, and generate reports to assist in maintenance operations, reducing the need for iterative maintenance processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the iterative manual method using pilot sensations and decision trees is used to identify vibration sources, then the identification process can be completed, but the maintenance operations become complicated, resource-intensive, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of vibration identification (pilot sensations, paper decision trees, iterative maintenance operations) with an automated electronic system that collects vibration data via sensors, processes signals through filtering and pattern recognition modules, and identifies vibration sources automatically. This substitution eliminates the need for iterative manual procedures while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the aircraft maintenance process to be self-diagnosing by automatically collecting vibration data, analyzing patterns, and identifying sources without requiring continuous human intervention. The automated decision tree and pattern recognition allow the system to guide its own diagnostic process, reducing dependency on pilot sensations and manual maintenance operations.
2Measurement precision
If the iterative manual method using pilot sensations and decision trees is used to identify vibration sources, then the identification process can be completed, but the maintenance operations become complicated and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex manual decision-making process (pilot sensations, paper decision trees, iterative maintenance operations) with an automated electronic system that collects vibration data via sensors, processes signals through filtering and pattern recognition modules, and identifies vibration sources automatically. This substitution simplifies the maintenance operation complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated analysis layer between the raw vibration data and the maintenance decision-making process. The signal processing module, pattern recognition module, and automated decision tree act as intermediaries that transform complex raw data into simplified diagnostic information, reducing the complexity of maintenance operations.
3Extent of automation
If static measuring devices are installed in proximity to play in ball joints of actuators to prevent vibrations, then automation of measurement is achieved, but the solution is limited to actuators only and requires measuring devices to be installed near the play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal vibration identification system that can detect and analyze vibrations from any source within the aircraft, not limited to actuators. The sensor network and pattern recognition module are designed to identify vibration signatures from multiple potential sources including engines, landing gear, and other aircraft components, making the system adaptable to various vibration problems throughout the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from localized measurement near specific components (ball joints of actuators) to a comprehensive aircraft-wide vibration monitoring approach. By distributing sensors throughout the aircraft and using pattern recognition to correlate vibrations with specific sources, the system expands the measurement dimension from point-specific to system-wide coverage.
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
This approach automates the identification of vibration sources, reducing the time and resources required for maintenance operations by providing a more efficient and objective method for diagnosing and addressing aircraft vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor on board the aircraft to collect at least one signal representative of the vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a module for collecting vibration signals, a module for filtering the signals, a module for verifying whether the signals preserved by the filtering module correspond to signals representative of a set of flight conditions of the aircraft that are listed in a reference database, a module for identifying sources of vibration, a module for requesting a maneuver to be carried out by a pilot depending on the identified sources of vibration, a module for deciding, using a predefined decision tree, whether the preceding modules should be implemented again, and a module for transmitting a vibration report to a user device. The system allows assistance to be given, to the pilot, with the generation of a vibration report, and assistance to be given with maintenance of the aircraft.