Aircraft Wheel Braking Sensor Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of electric motor-driven actuators in aircraft wheels increases aircraft weight, requiring heavy actuators to handle high rotation speeds and torques, which counteracts the fuel consumption and noise reduction benefits.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes the position sensor of the electric motor to estimate the wheel's rotational speed for anti-skid function implementation, reducing the need for dedicated tachometers and minimizing equipment weight by sharing sensors across systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric motor-driven actuators are integrated in aircraft wheels to enable motorization functions, then new functions (maneuvering, reverse taxiing, remote piloting) and environmental benefits (fuel consumption reduction, noise reduction) are achieved, but the aircraft weight increases due to heavy actuators required for high rotation speeds and torques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tachometer function with the existing motor position sensor, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated tachometer. The control unit processes the position sensor signals to derive both position and speed information, merging two functions into one sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor position sensor is made multi-functional by using it for both position feedback (for motor control) and speed measurement (for anti-skid function). This universal usage of the sensor reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If a dedicated tachometer is used for the anti-skid function, then the anti-skid function can be implemented, but the equipment weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tachometer function with the motor position sensor, so that one sensor serves dual purposes. The control unit processes the position sensor output to provide both position feedback for motor control and speed signals for the anti-skid braking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides angular position information for electric motor control and simultaneously provides rotational speed information for the anti-skid function, making it a universal sensor for both control systems.
3Reliability
If traditional tachometers are used for anti-skid function, then the function can be implemented, but the measurement precision is lower compared to motor position sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The high-precision motor position sensor is made multi-functional by using it for both position feedback and speed measurement. The sensor's inherent high resolution and accuracy benefit both the motor control system and the anti-skid braking system, eliminating the need for separate lower-precision tachometers.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for managing the braking of an aircraft wheel (4) (1) equipped with a brake (11), the aircraft comprising brake control means adapted to implement an anti-slip function for the wheel (4) requiring an estimation of the wheel's rotational speed, the aircraft further comprising wheel drive means including an electric motor (6) for rotating the wheel (4), said electric motor (6) being equipped with a position sensor (8) for providing angular position measurements of a rotor of the motor (6). The method includes the step, for implementing the anti-slip function, of estimating the rotational speed of the wheel (4) from the angular position measurements of the rotor provided by the position sensor (8).