Engine Communication Adapter for Wireless Dynamic Data Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines deployed in the field face challenges in accessing and updating data and configuration control items due to rapid advancements in computer and communication technologies, requiring cumbersome and time-consuming physical connections for interfacing with offboard systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication adapter with processing circuitry and an internal sensor system that enables wireless communication with offboard systems, authenticates requests, transfers data, and updates engine control configurations securely, allowing for real-time monitoring and control without the need for physical cables or cowling access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical connections are used to interface with offboard systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical cable connections with wireless communication technology. The communication adapter enables the engine control system to interface with offboard systems through wireless signals, eliminating the need for mechanical cable connections while maintaining system reliability and reducing complexity.
2Reliability
If physical access to engine control is required, then data access reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter enables wireless access to the engine control system, replacing the need for physical access through cable connections. This allows maintenance personnel to access and update data remotely, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining data access reliability through authenticated communication protocols.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional communication methods are used, then compatibility with existing systems is improved, but adaptability to new technologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter is designed with updatable firmware and configurable parameters that allow it to adapt to new communication protocols and technologies. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain compatibility with existing engines while adapting to evolving communication standards, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented, then ease of operation and maintenance time are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter serves as an intermediary device that adds wireless communication capability to the engine control system. By isolating the complexity of wireless protocols and authentication mechanisms within the adapter, the main engine control system remains simple, and the adapter itself can be replaced or upgraded independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication adapter of a gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with an offboard system and to communicate with an engine control of the gas turbine engine, a memory system, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive an engine control dynamic data recording request from the offboard system, confirm an authentication between the communication adapter and the engine control, transfer the engine control dynamic data recording request received at the communication adapter from the offboard system to the engine control based on the authentication, and transmit an update completion confirmation of the engine control from the communication adapter to the offboard system based on a confirmation message from the engine control.