Elevator Tab Failure Detection via Flight Data Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of elevator tabs in aircraft control systems cannot be directly monitored or controlled by pilots, and there is no instrumentation to detect failures, posing a risk of undetected faults in critical flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using flight data analysis to indirectly verify the operation of elevator tabs by analyzing movement and rotational positions relative to the elevators, employing an intentional delay to detect displacement and infer proper function without installing new sensors or instrumentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elevator tabs are made to function in balance mode to assist pilot control without hydraulic power, then manual controllability is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases due to the need for automatic reversal mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator tabs are pre-configured to automatically reverse to anti-balance function when specific flight conditions are detected (hydraulics engaged or flaps not retracted). This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time control mechanisms during critical moments, as the tabs are already positioned to provide the necessary aerodynamic assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator tab system serves itself by automatically switching between balance and anti-balance functions based on flight conditions. The system monitors hydraulic status and flap position, then self-adjusts the tab function without requiring additional complex control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If instrumentation is installed to directly detect elevator tab failures, then detection capability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing flight data parameters (elevator position, flap position, hydraulic status) as intermediaries to indirectly detect elevator tab failures. Instead of installing direct sensors on the tabs, the methodology analyzes the relationship between these existing parameters to infer tab functionality, eliminating the need for additional costly instrumentation while maintaining reliable failure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical sensing instrumentation with a data analysis approach using existing flight data systems. By substituting physical sensors with computational analysis of elevator movement data, the system achieves failure detection capability without increasing device complexity or cost.
3Ease of operation
If the 737NG uses the same elevator size as the 737 Classic to maintain type rating compatibility, then ease of operation and pilot certification are improved, but aerodynamic authority is insufficient for the heavier and faster 737NG
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator control system is segmented into two independent but coordinated components: the main elevator surface and the auxiliary elevator tabs. This segmentation allows the main elevator to maintain the original size for pilot certification continuity, while the tabs provide additional aerodynamic authority through coordinated movement, resolving the contradiction between size compatibility and force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of the main elevator with the auxiliary elevator tabs to create a combined control system. The tabs are positioned to work in conjunction with the main elevator, effectively increasing the total aerodynamic authority without changing the size of the primary control surface, thereby maintaining pilot certification continuity while meeting the force requirements of the heavier 737NG.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for verifying proper operation of a left elevator tab disposed at an end portion of a left elevator of an aircraft and a right elevator tab disposed at an end portion of a right elevator of the aircraft. Because proper operation of the elevator tabs cannot be directly verified by existing aircraft instrument, the operation of the elevator tabs can be indirectly verified by analyzing flight data of the aircraft. After identification of a verification event, in which the elevator tabs move relative to the elevators, the positions of the left elevator and right elevator can be measured, and differences in the positions of the left elevator and right elevator can indicate proper operation of the left and right elevator tabs.