Dual-Channel Engine Propeller Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for propeller-driven aircraft engines have inefficiencies due to separate control systems for the engine and propeller, leading to potential hazardous operations and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual-channel control system with independent and redundant communication channels, each equipped with control and protection processors, to manage engine and propeller operations in normal and hazardous modes, integrating sensors and effectors for unified control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate control systems are used for engine and propeller, then each component can be controlled independently, but the overall system complexity increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate engine control and propeller control systems into a single integrated control system. The controller receives inputs from both engine sensors and propeller sensors, processes them through unified control logic, and outputs coordinated control signals to both engine effectors and propeller effectors. This merging eliminates the need for multiple independent control systems while maintaining the ability to control each component independently when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller performs multiple functions: it controls engine parameters, controls propeller parameters, monitors system health, and provides protection functions. By designing a universal control system that can handle various control tasks through a single device, the patent reduces overall system complexity while improving operational efficiency through coordinated control.
2Reliability
If separate control systems are used for engine and propeller, then each system can operate autonomously, but the system becomes less reliable and more prone to hazardous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates engine control and propeller control into a single unified system that can detect hazardous conditions more effectively. By combining sensor inputs from both subsystems and using centralized control logic, the system can identify and respond to hazardous operations more reliably than separate autonomous systems, while the integrated architecture actually simplifies the overall control structure.
3Device complexity
If integrated control system is implemented, then system complexity is reduced and efficiency improved, but redundancy and safety protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control system incorporates protection logic that proactively monitors engine and propeller parameters and takes preventive action before hazardous conditions develop. The controller includes built-in protection functions that can detect potential failures and implement corrective measures in advance, ensuring safety without requiring separate redundant control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic controller for an engine and a propeller, a control system and related methods are described herein. The control system comprises the controller having a first channel and a second channel independent from and redundant to the first channel. Each channel comprises a control processor configured to receive first engine and propeller parameters and to output, based on the first engine and propeller parameters, at least one engine control command and at least one propeller control command. Each channel also comprises a protection processor configured to receive second engine and propeller parameters and to output, based on the second engine and propeller parameters, at least one engine protection command and at least one propeller protection command. The control system comprises sensors for measuring the parameters of the engine and/or the propeller and effectors configured to control the engine and the propeller.