Engine Controller Trim Transfer via Label Scanning and Wireless Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual programming of aircraft engine controllers with specific engine information is prone to human error during interchange, leading to potential operational issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a mobile device to read a computer-readable label on the engine, extract trim values, and wirelessly transmit them to an electronic engine controller for configuration, ensuring accurate engine trimming during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual programming is used to configure the engine controller, then the engine controller can be configured with engine-specific information, but human error occurs during the programming process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidmanual programming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual programming operations with an automated optical scanning system. A mobile device scans a computer-readable label (barcode/QR code) on the engine to automatically extract trim values and transmit them to the engine controller, eliminating manual data entry and reducing human error in the configuration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a computer-readable label containing encoded trim values as a copy of the engine's configuration data. This label serves as a portable, error-free representation of the engine-specific parameters that can be automatically read and transferred to the controller without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If automated wireless transmission is used to configure the engine controller, then human error is reduced, but additional equipment (mobile device, data transmission unit) is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsystem components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the mobile device's existing camera and processing capabilities to perform multiple functions: capturing the computer-readable label, extracting trim values, and transmitting data wirelessly to the engine controller. This approach uses widely available technology rather than requiring specialized dedicated equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer-readable label as an intermediary carrier of engine configuration data. This label acts as a bridge between the engine and the controller, enabling automatic data transfer without requiring complex direct communication protocols or additional specialized hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11686257B2Method and system for configuring operation of an engine

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for configuring operation of an engine are described herein. A computer-readable label associate with the engine is read by a mobile device to obtain label information having at least one trim value for the engine encoded therein. The at least one trim value is extracted from the label information on the mobile device. The at least one trim value is wirelessly transmitted from the mobile device to a data transmission unit of the engine. The data transmission unit is configured for instructing an electronic engine controller to trim the engine with the at least one trim value during operation of the engine.