Aircraft Engine Control Layout Using a Jumper Connector Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft configurations, whether new or existing, face challenges in economically introducing new functions for auxiliary power units (APUs) due to the complexity of adding new devices and cabling, which is not feasible with fixed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that relocates the engine control device to the engine compartment, utilizing a jumper connector to connect command and transmission cables, allowing for the addition of new sensors and control functions without installing additional transmission cables, and enabling wireless communication for efficient sensing and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new sensing and controlling functions are added to the APU, then the functionality and capabilities of the engine are improved, but the device complexity and cabling requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A jumper connector is introduced as an intermediary device to connect command cables to transmission cables, eliminating the need for additional cabling when adding new functions. The jumper connector serves as a flexible interface that allows new sensing and controlling functions to be added without modifying the existing cable harness architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into modular components: command device, command cables, jumper connector, transmission cables, and engine control device. This segmentation allows individual components to be modified or added independently, particularly enabling new functions to be integrated through the jumper connector without affecting the entire cabling system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the engine control device is relocated to the engine compartment, then new functions can be added with minimal impact on existing devices, but the installation configuration must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper connector acts as an intermediary that simplifies the relocation of the engine control device to the engine compartment. By providing a standardized connection interface, it enables the control device to be positioned near the engine without requiring complex modifications to the command cable routing or creating interference with existing systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional transmission cables are installed to support new functions, then new sensing and controlling possibilities are achieved, but the modification cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper connector provides a universal connection interface that supports multiple functions through a single device. It can connect various command cables to different transmission cables, enabling new sensing and controlling possibilities without requiring dedicated cables for each function, thereby reducing modification costs and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for modifying the installation configuration of an aircraft (1) and an aircraft (1) comprising an engine (10) housed in an engine compartment (22) and an engine control device (15) adapted to control at least one parameter of the engine (10), in which the engine control device (15) is installed in said engine compartment (22).