Autobrake Built-In Test Equipment Wheel Speed Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autobrake control systems in vehicles face challenges during maintenance as obtaining vehicle speed data is difficult in controlled environments, making real-world testing of the autobrake system difficult.
Innovation Solution
A built-in test equipment (BITE) that simulates wheel speed sensor data using a signal generator, allowing maintenance technicians to test the autobrake system without moving the vehicle or altering its wiring, and includes logic to simulate various sensor and switch data to mimic aircraft operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If autobrake system testing is performed in real-world conditions, then testing accuracy is improved, but maintenance complexity and cost increase due to requiring actual vehicle movement and landing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of wheel speed sensor data through a signal generator that simulates actual sensor outputs. This copied data allows the autobrake system to be tested in a controlled environment without requiring actual vehicle movement, thereby maintaining testing accuracy while reducing maintenance complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal generator acts as an intermediary between the test environment and the autobrake system. It provides simulated wheel speed data that mediates between the need for accurate testing and the desire to avoid complex real-world testing requirements, enabling effective system evaluation without actual landings.
2Measurement precision
If wheel speed sensor data is obtained from actual sensors, then data accuracy is improved, but testing feasibility deteriorates when vehicle cannot move (in hanger/maintenance bay)
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of obtaining data from actual sensors during maintenance when the vehicle cannot move, the system creates accurate copies of sensor data through signal generation. This allows testing to proceed in controlled environments without requiring actual vehicle operation, maintaining data accuracy while improving testing feasibility.
3Reliability
If actual landings are performed for testing, then system performance evaluation is improved, but time consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing using simulated data before actual landings would be required. By evaluating system performance through virtual testing in advance, the need for time-consuming actual landing operations is reduced or eliminated, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining reliable system evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal generator creates copies of actual wheel speed data that enable comprehensive system performance evaluation without requiring physical landings. This copying approach maintains evaluation reliability while dramatically reducing time consumption and operational costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method provide a means for testing operation of a vehicle brake system. More particularly, a brake controller for controlling operation of the brake system includes a signal generator that can generate data indicative of wheel speed. Based on a user command, the controller uses either actual wheel speed data or simulated wheel speed data as inputs for controlling brake operation. The controller also includes logic for exercising various braking functions so as to enable maintenance personal to determine operational systems of the brake system.