Gas Turbine Engine Data Management via Wireless Offboard Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing and updating configuration control items in a gas turbine engine deployed in the field is challenging due to rapid advancements in computer and communication technologies, making it difficult to interface with offboard systems during its extended service life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a communication unit, such as an aircraft wireless gateway, to enable wireless communication between the engine control system and offboard systems, allowing for secure data transfer and software updates without the need for physical cables or opening the engine cowling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical cables or opening engine cowlings are used for data access, then secure physical connection is achieved, but maintenance time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections and physical access methods with wireless communication technology. The engine control system communicates with offboard systems via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and opening engine cowlings, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining secure data transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the engine control system and offboard systems. This intermediary enables data transfer without direct physical connection, allowing secure communication while reducing the time and complexity associated with physical cable management and engine access
2Adaptability or versatility
If engine control system interfaces are updated to match evolving offboard technology, then compatibility is improved, but system complexity and update difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a software-based wireless communication interface that can be dynamically updated and reconfigured. Unlike fixed hardware interfaces, the software interface can adapt to changing offboard communication protocols and standards, improving compatibility while managing complexity through flexible software updates rather than hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal wireless communication interface that can handle multiple communication protocols and data formats. This multi-functional interface serves various offboard systems with different technological requirements, enhancing adaptability while consolidating interface management into a single versatile component
3Productivity
If configuration control items are updated in deployed engines, then operational performance is improved, but access difficulty and update complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical access requirements for updating configuration control items with wireless communication capabilities. Configuration data can be transmitted and updated remotely through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical access to engine components and significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining productivity enhancements
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples described herein provide a method for assigning tasks to processors of a multi-core processor 241 associated with a gas turbine engine 104. The method includes assigning a first processing core 240a of the multi-core processor 241 to perform a first type of tasks having a first safety level. The method further includes assigning a second processing core 240c of the multi-core processor 241 to perform a second type of tasks having a second safety level, the second safety level being different than the first safety level. The method further includes executing a first core task of the first type of tasks on the first processing core 240a. The method further includes executing a second core task of the second type of tasks on the second processing core 240c.