eVTOL Propulsor Torque Estimation for Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric aircraft, particularly eVTOLs, there is a need to accurately estimate propulsor torque to ensure safety and maneuverability, as component malfunctions can compromise aircraft integrity and safety during flight.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a sensor to detect output torque, a flight controller with a computing device to receive and process torque data, and an ideal propulsor model to generate a torque percentage datum, determining obstruction data and displaying torque percentage and obstruction information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor and computing device are added to detect and process torque data, then measurement precision of propulsor torque is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical torque measurement systems with an electrical sensing and computing approach. A sensor detects torque data and converts it to electrical signals, which are then processed by a computing device to calculate torque percentage. This substitution of mechanical measurement with electrical sensing and computational processing improves measurement precision while managing system complexity through integration.
2Reliability
If an ideal propulsor model is used to generate torque percentage datum, then reliability of torque estimation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing an ideal propulsor model that contains expected torque characteristics under various operating conditions. During flight, the actual torque data is compared against this pre-computed model to generate torque percentage datum. This preliminary modeling approach improves reliability by providing a reference framework while managing complexity through offline model preparation rather than real-time complex calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing actual torque measurements against the ideal propulsor model and generating torque percentage datum that indicates deviations. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by enabling continuous monitoring and detection of anomalies, allowing the system to identify when actual performance diverges from expected performance based on the model.
3Reliability
If obstruction datum is determined and displayed, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing the analysis on specific critical parameters rather than processing all possible data. The system determines obstruction datum by analyzing torque percentage deviations and identifying patterns correlated with obstructions, rather than performing exhaustive analysis of all flight parameters. This selective approach improves safety monitoring capability while minimizing unnecessary data processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for estimating percentage torque produced by a propulsor configured for use in an electric aircraft, the system including a propulsor, the propulsor configured to generate output torque. The system including a sensor, the sensor configured to detect the output torque and generate an output torque datum. The system including a flight controller including a computing device configured to receive an output torque datum, receive an ideal propulsor model, the ideal propulsor model including at least a performance parameter, generate a model torque datum, including a model torque datum threshold, as a function of the at least a performance parameter, generate a percentage datum as a function of the output torque datum and model torque datum, and determine, at least an obstruction datum correlated to the torque percentage datum, and display torque percentage datum and the at least an obstruction datum.