Engine Health Monitoring Data Synchronization Using Speed Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of synchronization between data from permanently installed engine health monitoring systems and temporary troubleshooting kits results in unsynchronized and potentially misleading data, as obtaining a reliable common time stamp is not feasible, leading to a risk of unresolved engine issues due to the absence of relevant service flight data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing sensor data from multiple EHM systems by using a synchronisation sensor to derive engine speed from a frequency signal, adjusting time signals to align data, and applying offset or time dilation to ensure temporal alignment of data from different systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temporary troubleshooting kit is installed to monitor additional engine parameters, then the capability to detect emergent engine problems is improved, but the synchronization of data with the permanent EHM system deteriorates due to lack of common time stamp
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization sensor is introduced as an intermediary component that both the permanent and temporary EHM systems can access. This sensor provides a common reference signal (engine speed or vibration) that enables time synchronization between the two independent monitoring systems, resolving the data alignment issue while maintaining the added diagnostic capability of the temporary kit
2Measurement precision
If permanent EHM equipment is installed on every engine, then comprehensive engine parameter monitoring is improved, but the weight and cost of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently installing comprehensive monitoring equipment on every engine, the system uses a permanent EHM for core parameters and supplements it with temporary troubleshooting kits only when needed for specific diagnostic situations. This partial deployment approach maintains comprehensive monitoring capability while minimizing the permanent weight and cost burden on the engine
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization sensor serves multiple functions: it provides timing reference for data synchronization, enables engine speed measurement, and can detect vibration patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective synchronization of data from both permanent and temporary EHM systems, providing a unified time base for comprehensive engine health monitoring without adding weight or cost, thereby enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing the risk of unresolved engine problems.
Implementation Method 1
The synchronisation sensor may be a vibration sensor physically attached to the engine. The synchronisation sensor may be a non-contact sensor configured to measure vibration or movement of a part of the engine.
Implementation Method 2
The engine speed may be derived by extracting a harmonic frequency from the synchronisation signal. The harmonic frequency may be a fundamental frequency of the synchronisation signal.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to synchronising measurement data for engine health monitoring when using more than one engine health monitoring system. Example embodiments include a method of synchronising sensor data from first and second engine health monitoring, EHM, systems (11, 12) installed on an engine (10, 301), each EHM system (11, 12) having a plurality of sensors (202a-c) configured to measure parameters of the engine (10), the method comprising: acquiring first and second sensor data from the plurality of sensors (202a-c) at the first and second EHM systems (11, 12), the first sensor data including a measured engine speed; logging the first sensor data against a first time signal from the first EHM system and the second sensor data against a second time signal from the second EHM system; acquiring a synchronisation signal (316) from a synchronisation sensor (306) mounted to a part of the engine (301); deriving an engine speed from a frequency of the synchronisation signal (316); determining a timing difference between the first and second time signals from the derived engine speed and the measured engine speed; and adjusting the second time signal for the second sensor data to align the second sensor data in time with the first sensor data.