Aircraft Brake BITE System I/O Channel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional testing methods for aircraft brake systems require the aircraft to be taken out of service, resulting in downtime and labor costs, as they cannot perform real-time testing.
Innovation Solution
A Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) system that selectively severs and reestablishes I/O channels between the brake system controller and aircraft components, allowing for real-time testing without interrupting normal operations, using a testing module to send test signals and analyze feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used to test aircraft brake systems, then testing can be performed with simple equipment, but the aircraft must be taken out of service resulting in downtime and loss of productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system performs self-testing through built-in test equipment that generates test signals, monitors its own outputs, and detects malfunctions autonomously during normal aircraft operation, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and aircraft downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The testing functions are merged with the normal brake control system operations by integrating test signal generation, output monitoring, and malfunction detection capabilities directly into the brake control system, allowing simultaneous operation and testing
2Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used to test aircraft brake systems, then testing can be performed with minimal system complexity, but labor costs and technician involvement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs autonomous self-diagnosis by generating test signals, monitoring its own output channels, and detecting malfunctions without requiring external technicians or complex external testing equipment, reducing both labor costs and overall system complexity
3Reliability
If I/O channels are severed for testing, then real-time testing can be performed, but safety interlocks may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O channels are segmented into two distinct groups: severable channels that can be isolated for testing purposes, and non-severable safety-critical channels that maintain continuous operation and safety interlocks, allowing testing without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
A BITE region acts as an intermediary that manages the severing and reestablishing of I/O channels, coordinating test signal injection and output monitoring while preserving safety-critical channel connections
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed that comprises severing an I/O channel between a brake system controller and an aircraft component; sending a test signal to the brake system controller; receiving, from the brake system controller, a feedback signal to the test signal; and determining an appropriateness of the feedback signal. A system is disclosed that comprises a brake system controller wrapped in a BITE region, wherein the BITE region comprises a testing module, a safety interlock region having an I/O channel between the brake system controller and another system, and a testing module capable of sending a test signal to the brake system controller.