Aircraft Engine Control Unit Ground Proximity Logic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft engine control systems fail to adequately manage engine power settings when an aircraft approaches ground obstacles, particularly when the engine operates outside its normal envelope and the height-above-terrain value falls below a predetermined minimum, potentially leading to unsafe altitude operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a ground proximity unit, sensors, and an engine control unit that automatically prevents engine power reduction when the aircraft is below a predetermined altitude threshold, ensuring the engine maintains thrust to avoid altitude loss even if operating conditions, such as engine over-temperature, would normally trigger a power reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine control system automatically reduces engine power setting to correct over-temperature or out-of-range conditions, then engine safety is improved, but the aircraft may lose altitude when approaching ground obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine control behavior based on real-time ground proximity conditions. When the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of terrain, the ECU suppresses automatic power reduction commands that would cause altitude loss, while allowing normal power reduction when clear of terrain. This dynamic contextual control resolves the contradiction between engine safety and altitude control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the engine control system based on ground proximity conditions. By modifying the ECU's response characteristics (suppressing power reduction commands when near terrain), the system adapts engine control behavior to prevent altitude loss while maintaining engine safety through alternative means.
2Manufacturing precision
If the engine control system suppresses automatic power reduction when near ground obstacles, then altitude control is improved, but engine safety monitoring is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors both engine parameters and ground proximity conditions, using feedback from multiple sensors to make intelligent control decisions. The ECU receives feedback about engine temperature, power settings, and terrain distance, then adjusts control commands accordingly to maintain both altitude control precision and engine safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces ground proximity information as an intermediary factor that mediates between engine control and altitude control systems. This intermediary condition (terrain distance) allows the ECU to distinguish between situations where power reduction is safe versus where it would cause altitude loss, resolving the contradiction between the two control objectives.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft operates outside its normal operating envelope near ground obstacles, then maneuverability is improved, but engine damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts engine control parameters based on the operational context (ground proximity). When operating near terrain, the ECU dynamically modifies power management behavior to maintain altitude while allowing engine parameters to operate outside normal envelopes, thus improving maneuverability while managing engine damage risk through contextual awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for controlling the power setting of an aircraft engine when the current height-above-terrain (HAT) value Hc is less then a predetermined minimum H(min). The system includes a ground proximity unit (GPU) for measuring Hc, one or more sensors coupled to the engine for detecting an out-of-range operating condition of the engine, an engine control unit (ECU) coupled to the GPU and the one or more sensors and the engine, for controlling operation of the engine in response to Hc, H(min) and the engine operating values. When the one or more sensors detects an out-of-range operating condition normally curable by reducing the engine power setting, the ECU is prevented from automatically reducing the power setting of the engine if Hc<H(min). No pilot action is required.