Electromechanical Brake Actuator Controllers for Aircraft Braking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft braking systems, uneven force distribution from electromechanical actuators can lead to instability, causing continuous cycles of over/under-correction and degrading braking performance, as controllers attempt to correct force imbalances without effective coordination.
Innovation Solution
A communication channel is established between electromechanical brake actuator controllers to share status information, allowing them to harmonize their responses and prevent over/under-correction cycles by adjusting force output and frequency response rates of the actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical actuators are controlled independently by separate controllers, then each controller can respond to force imbalances, but continuous over/under-correction cycles occur causing braking instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple electromechanical actuators under a unified control architecture where controllers communicate through a shared communication channel. This allows coordinated control decisions across all actuators, preventing the over/under-correction cycles that occur when controllers operate independently. The communication channel enables real-time information sharing about actuator status and force application, allowing the system to maintain braking stability through harmonized controller actions.
2Productivity
If electromechanical actuators apply force to the brake stack, then braking is achieved, but uneven force distribution deforms the brake stack and interferes with braking stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each electromechanical actuator controller monitors the actual force applied by its actuator and compares it to the commanded force. Through the communication channel, controllers share status information about force application accuracy. When deviations are detected, the system adjusts the control signals to correct the force distribution, ensuring even force application across the brake stack while maintaining effective braking performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electromechanical actuators vary force output over time, then individual actuator performance is achieved, but force imbalance deforms the brake stack and degrades braking performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control where the force output of each electromechanical actuator is continuously adjusted based on real-time feedback and communication between controllers. The system adapts the force distribution dynamically to maintain balance, allowing individual actuators to vary their output as needed while ensuring the overall force distribution remains balanced. This prevents brake stack deformation and maintains consistent braking performance throughout the braking event.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamically stable braking are disclosed. A first electromechanical brake actuator controller may be placed in communication with a second electromechanical brake actuator controller, wherein each of the first electromechanical brake actuator controller and second electromechanical brake actuator controller are in communication with electromechanical brake actuators that are associated with the same wheel. The first electromechanical brake actuator controller and second electromechanical brake actuator controllers may then communicate electromechanical brake actuator status information and take corrective measures in accordance with the status information.