Electromechanical Brake Sensor Cycling for Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft braking systems consume excessive power due to continuous monitoring requirements, particularly in parking brake conditions, leading to increased power consumption and electro-migration issues.
Innovation Solution
A brake monitoring and adjustment control system that uses a sampling timer and switch to cycle power to sensors, reducing voltage application duration, and includes an AC circuit resolver to monitor and adjust the electromechanical brake actuator, minimizing power usage and mitigating electro-migration growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous monitoring of the EBA is performed using sensors and circuitry, then reliable brake monitoring is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring by cycling power to the sensor on and off at predetermined intervals rather than maintaining continuous power. The controller activates the sensor periodically to monitor EBA parameters and then deactivates it to conserve power, achieving both reliable monitoring and reduced power consumption throughout the aircraft operation cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its operation based on aircraft conditions. The controller determines when monitoring is necessary and activates the sensor only during those periods, transitioning between active monitoring and power-saving states based on operational requirements rather than maintaining a static continuous monitoring mode
2Reliability
If voltage is continuously applied to the sensor, then continuous monitoring capability is maintained, but electro-migration growth accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller cycles power to the sensor by turning it on for monitoring intervals and then turning it off, creating periodic voltage application rather than continuous voltage. This reduces the cumulative electro-migration stress on the sensor while maintaining the ability to monitor EBA parameters when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of continuous voltage application (electro-migration) into a benefit by using periodic voltage cycling. The intermittent power application reduces electro-migration damage while the monitoring function remains effective during active periods, transforming a harmful continuous state into a beneficial periodic state
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 significantly reduces power consumption and prolongs the life of wiring and connectors by minimizing conductive path growth, while maintaining reliable actuator performance.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a status of the EBA with a resolver, wherein the resolver is an AC circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A brake monitoring and adjustment control system includes an electromechanical brake actuator controller (EBAC) and at least one sensor operatively connected to the EBAC. The sensor is configured to sense a characteristic of a brake and provide a feedback signal to the EBAC. The system includes a switch for turning power to the sensor on and off to reduce the duration with voltage applied to the sensor. Reducing the duration in which voltage is applied to the sensor reduces power consumption and assists with mitigating electro-migration growth.