Centralized Engine Control Reprogramming via Data Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems require separate, time-consuming procedures for reprogramming distributed processors, necessitating physical access and multiple steps, which complicates maintenance and increases operational time.
Innovation Solution
A centralized engine control system that connects a primary processor to a distributed processor via a wired connection, allowing the primary processor to be programmed and to program the distributed processor, enabling simultaneous reprogramming through a single aircraft data loader interface without physical access to the distributed processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate reprogramming procedures are used for distributed processors, then each processor can be programmed independently, but the reprogramming time increases and physical access to the engine cowl is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the programming functions for multiple distributed processors into a single centralized procedure. The primary processor receives a single file from the aircraft data loader and automatically distributes it to all connected distributed processors through the data bus, eliminating the need for separate programming procedures and physical access to each processor's engine cowl.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary processor acts as an intermediary between the aircraft data loader and the distributed processors. It receives the program file, processes it, and then transfers it to the distributed processors via the data bus, eliminating the need for direct physical access to each distributed processor's engine cowl.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate programming procedures are implemented, then each processor can be configured independently, but the operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The primary processor serves multiple functions: it acts as both a distributed processor receiving files from the aircraft data loader and as a programming interface for other distributed processors. This multi-functionality allows a single procedure to configure multiple processors independently through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the programming architecture into a centralized primary processor and multiple distributed processors, where the primary processor handles the complex coordination tasks while distributed processors execute their specific functions independently, maintaining configuration flexibility without increasing overall procedure complexity.
3Ease of repair
If physical access to the engine cowl is required for reprogramming, then direct connection to distributed processors is possible, but maintenance efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically accessing each processor's engine cowl with an electronic data bus system. The primary processor transfers program files electronically to distributed processors through the data bus, eliminating the need for physical access to engine cowls and significantly improving maintenance efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain examples disclose and describe apparatus and methods to reprogram all electronic engine control system processors through a single external network interface to an aircraft data loader. In such examples, a main processor that interfaces to an aircraft communication network is to operate as both a data loader and a loadable device. Distributed electronic engine control processors are reprogrammable from a single network interface, rather than requiring separate, direct access to each controller.