Aircraft Braking Control Module Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft braking systems are vulnerable to total loss of braking in the event of a common mode failure, and while dissimilar architectures mitigate this to some extent, they still suffer from significant braking performance loss due to the inability to maintain control of all actuators post-failure.
Innovation Solution
A dual-control module system with a monitoring unit that switches control modules into a reconfigured mode of operation upon failure, allowing continued control of a larger number of actuators and maintaining braking performance without adding hardware redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple centralized architecture is used with one control module, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because a common mode failure can lead to total loss of braking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple control modules into a single reconfigurable control module that can operate in different modes (nominal and reconfigured). This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability through software-based reconfiguration that allows the single module to take over control of all actuators if another module fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed with dynamic reconfiguration capability, allowing it to switch between nominal mode (controlling its assigned actuators) and reconfigured mode (controlling all actuators). This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to failures and maintain braking functionality without requiring permanent redundant hardware.
2Reliability
If a dissimilar architecture with redundant control modules is used, then the reliability is improved to some extent, but the device complexity increases and braking performance is still significantly lost upon failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal control modules that can perform multiple functions: in nominal mode, each module controls its specific group of actuators, but in reconfigured mode, either module can control all actuators. This multi-functionality allows a single module to replace the role of multiple specialized modules, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters dynamically based on failure conditions. The control module switches from a restricted control parameter set (nominal mode with limited actuators) to an expanded parameter set (reconfigured mode with all actuators), allowing the system to adapt its control strategy without hardware changes.
3Reliability
If hardware redundancy is added to maintain braking performance after failure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/hardware redundancy with software-based reconfiguration. Instead of adding duplicate hardware components, the system uses software logic to enable a single control module to assume control of all actuators upon failure detection, thereby maintaining braking performance without additional hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigured control module effectively creates a functional copy of the control capability needed for all actuators. Rather than physically duplicating hardware, the software implementation allows one module to replicate the control functions that would otherwise require separate dedicated modules.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft braking system comprising: a first group (Ga) of actuators and a second group (Gb) of actuators. A first control module (105a) is adapted, in a nominal mode, to control the first group, and in a reconfigured mode, to control the first group and the second group. A second control module (105b) is adapted, in a nominal mode, to control the second group, and in a reconfigured mode, to control the first group and the second group. A monitoring unit adapted is adapted to monitor the first control module and the second control module, and to put the first control module into the reconfigured mode of operation when the monitoring unit detects a failure of the second control module, and to put the second control module into the reconfigured mode when the monitoring unit detects a failure of the first control module.