Brake Control System Controller Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft brake systems face unreliable braking operations when one of the shared resources, such as the brake control unit (BCU), fails, leading to inconsistent control of braking systems.
Innovation Solution
A brake control system (BCS) is designed with a first controller and a second controller in electronic communication, where the first controller can disable the second controller and control a valve with dual coils, allowing the aircraft management system (AMS) to take over and ensure reliable braking operations by actuating the valve through the first coil, even if the BCU fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single BCU controls the brake system, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates when the BCU fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single BCU controller into two separate controllers: a first controller (BCU) and a second controller (AMS). Each controller has independent control capability over the brake system through separate coil connections to the valve assembly, allowing the system to maintain functionality even if one controller fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter architecture by implementing dual independent control paths. The first controller connects to the valve assembly via a first coil, and the second controller connects via a second coil, creating redundant control channels that can operate independently to maintain braking reliability.
2Reliability
If the AMS takes over control when BCU fails, then the reliability improves, but the system complexity increases due to arbitration mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller arbitration mechanism that acts as an intermediary to manage control transitions between the first controller (BCU) and the second controller (AMS). The arbitration logic determines which controller is active based on system state and failure conditions, enabling seamless takeover without complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed with universal control capability, accepting control signals from either the first controller or the second controller through its dual coil configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware component to serve multiple control sources, simplifying the overall arbitration architecture.
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 solution ensures reliable and consistent braking operations by enabling the AMS to take control of the brake control module (BCM) via the first coil, even if the BCU fails, thereby maintaining safe aircraft operations.
Implementation Method 1
a valve comprising a first coil and a second coil, wherein the valve is controllable via the first coil and the second coil
Data Source
AI summary
A brake control system (BCS) may comprise a first controller, a second controller in electronic communication with the first controller, and a valve comprising a first coil and a second coil. The first controller may be configured to actuate the valve via the first coil. The second controller may be configured to actuate the valve via the second coil. The first controller may be configured to disable the second controller to take over control of the valve.