Aircraft Brake Actuator Failure Detection via Position Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braking systems in aircraft rely on time-consuming manual inspections to detect failures in brake actuators, which are inefficient and ineffective, and existing methods lack reliable automated detection techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor the angular and linear positions of a motor-controlled brake actuator, using sensors and a controller to compare actual linear positions with predetermined ranges corresponding to various angular positions, enabling the detection of failures in the brake actuator or associated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used to detect brake actuator failures, then detection capability is provided, but inspection time is excessive and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated sensor-based detection system. Angular position sensors and linear position sensors automatically monitor brake actuator components, eliminating the need for manual inspection while providing continuous real-time detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake actuator system performs self-diagnosis through integrated sensors that continuously monitor its own operational parameters. The system automatically detects failures in gear assemblies, linear translation arrangements, and motor components without external intervention, enabling the system to service its own detection needs.
2Extent of automation
If existing automated detection methods using motor commutation sensors are employed, then some detection capability is achieved, but detection precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent sensor systems: an angular position sensor for monitoring motor shaft position and a linear position sensor for monitoring linear translation arrangement position. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in detecting specific failure modes, significantly improving overall detection precision compared to relying on a single motor commutation sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces position sensors as intermediary devices between the motor control system and the failure detection function. These sensors provide precise positional data that serves as an intermediary measurement, enabling the controller to accurately detect discrepancies between commanded and actual positions, thereby improving detection precision.
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 allows for real-time, automated detection of brake actuator failures, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of braking systems by reducing manual inspection time and improving system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring an angular position of a motor controlling the brake actuator
Implementation Method 2
monitoring a linear position of a linear translation arrangement of the brake actuator
Implementation Method 3
a gear assembly in communication with the motor and the linear translation arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of detecting a failure of a brake actuator (70, 71, 72, 73) is provided. The method includes monitoring an angular position of a motor (76) controlling the brake actuator. Also included is monitoring a linear position of a linear translation arrangement of the brake actuator, wherein the linear position of the linear translation arrangement is controlled by a gear assembly in communication with the motor (76) and the linear translation arrangement. Further included is comparing the linear position of the linear translation arrangement with the angular position of the motor (76). Yet further included is determining whether the linear position of the linear translation arrangement is within a predetermined range of linear positions (144) corresponding to a plurality of angular positions.