Engine Control Monitoring Expansion for Segregated Processor Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Engine Control and Monitoring Systems (ECaMS) lack adaptability and versatility, particularly in complex engines where safety-critical operations require segregation of control and protection functions.
Innovation Solution
The ECaMS is modified by integrating a first and second processor node with direct connections between acquisition ICs, allowing expansion units to be connected to address provisioning deficits, such as additional processing or I/O capabilities, using a ring network for connectivity and segregation of control and protection functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ECaMS is modified to enhance adaptability and versatility, then the system can accommodate expansion units and additional processing capabilities, but the device complexity increases due to integration of multiple processor nodes and IC connections
Solution Approach 1:
The ECaMS is divided into multiple processor nodes (first processor node with first acquisition IC, second processor node with second acquisition IC) that can be independently configured and expanded. Each processor node handles specific functions, allowing the system to be segmented into manageable units that can be individually modified or replaced without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition ICs are designed with universal communication capabilities that enable them to interface with various expansion units and sensor types. The direct connection architecture between acquisition ICs allows the same hardware platform to support multiple engine configurations and monitoring requirements, enhancing versatility without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expansion units are connected to address provisioning deficits, then additional processing and I/O capabilities are provided, but the device complexity increases due to additional IC connections and network integration
Solution Approach 1:
Expansion units are integrated into the existing processor node architecture through direct IC connections, allowing additional functionality to be nested within the established system framework. The expansion units connect to acquisition ICs without requiring separate external processing systems, effectively nesting new capabilities within the existing structural hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition ICs serve as intermediary components that mediate between the processor nodes and expansion units. These ICs handle the communication protocols and data routing between different system components, simplifying the integration process by providing a standardized interface layer that abstracts the complexity of direct connections.
3Reliability
If control and protection functions are segregated for safety-critical applications, then system reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to separate physical sensors and segregated processor portions
Solution Approach 1:
The processor nodes are segregated into distinct control and protection portions, with dedicated acquisition ICs for each function. This segmentation ensures that control functions (first processor node) and protection functions (second processor node) operate independently, preventing failure propagation between systems while maintaining clear functional boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the system are assigned specialized qualities appropriate to their function: the control portion handles routine engine management with standard monitoring, while the protection portion implements enhanced safety monitoring with independent decision-making capabilities. Each portion is optimized for its specific operational requirements rather than being uniformly designed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for modifying an Engine Control and Monitoring System (ECaMS) for an engine. A method comprises identifying a provisioning deficit in the ECaMS, wherein the ECaMS comprises a first processor node and a second processor node. The first processor node comprises a first acquisition integrated circuit (IC), a first output IC, and a first processor. The second processor node comprises a second acquisition IC, a second output IC, and a second processor. The first acquisition IC is connected directly to the second acquisition IC. The method comprises connecting an expansion unit to the ECaMS. The expansion unit comprises one or more expansion unit ICs, said one or more expansion unit ICs being connected to one or more ICs of the ECaMS.