Engine Health Monitoring Data Sync via Side-Channel Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in engine health monitoring is the lack of synchronization between data from permanently installed EHM systems and temporary troubleshooting kits (TSKs), leading to unsynchronized and potentially misleading data due to the absence of a reliable common time stamp.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing sensor data from first and second EHM systems by acquiring and logging data against different time signals, deriving a timing signal from a side channel sensor mounted to a cable or connector connected to the first EHM system, determining a timing difference, and adjusting the second time signal to align with the first, using a side channel sensor to extract features from digital signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temporary troubleshooting kits are installed to monitor additional engine parameters, then the monitoring capability and diagnostic utility are improved, but the data synchronization and contextual accuracy deteriorate due to lack of common time stamp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a side channel sensor as an intermediary that couples to the cable connecting the permanent EHM system. This sensor detects electromagnetic signals from the permanent system and provides timing reference information to the temporary TSK, enabling synchronization without direct communication between the two independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical synchronization approach (shared time stamping hardware) with an electromagnetic field-based solution. The side channel sensor detects electromagnetic signals carrying timing information from the permanent system's cable, converting electromagnetic field information into synchronized timing data for the temporary system.
2Reliability
If permanent EHM equipment is installed on every engine, then the continuous monitoring capability is improved, but the engine weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the EHM system into two segments: a permanent EHM system that remains installed on the engine for continuous monitoring, and a temporary troubleshooting kit that can be added only when needed for specific diagnostic situations. This segmentation allows the engine to have monitoring capability without permanently carrying the full weight and cost of complete EHM equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary troubleshooting kit is designed to be universally applicable to different engine types and monitoring needs. By using the side channel sensing approach that interfaces with the existing permanent EHM system's cable infrastructure, the same TSK can monitor additional parameters across different engine configurations without requiring engine-specific modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data from multiple EHM systems are collected independently, then the data acquisition flexibility is improved, but the data contextual relevance and diagnostic accuracy deteriorate due to timing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the side channel sensor continuously monitors electromagnetic signals from the permanent EHM system's cable, extracting timing information that is fed back to the temporary system. This feedback loop enables the temporary system to adjust its data timing to match the permanent system, ensuring synchronized data collection while maintaining independent operation.
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 accurate alignment of data from permanent and temporary EHM systems, ensuring contextual relevance and enhancing the utility of data for engine diagnostics without violating physical separation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a side channel signal from a side channel sensor mounted to a cable or connector connected to the first EHM system
Data Source
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 installed on an engine, each EHM system having a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters of the engine, the method comprising: acquiring first and second sensor data from the plurality of sensors at the first and second EHM systems; logging the first sensor data against a first time signal from the first EHM systems and the second sensor data against a second time signal from the second EHM system; acquiring a side channel signal from a side channel sensor mounted to a cable or connector connected to the first EHM system; deriving a timing signal from the side channel signal; determining a timing difference between the first and second time signals from the derived timing signal; and adjusting the second time signal for the second sensor data to align the second sensor data in time with the first sensor data.