Gas Turbine Configuration Data Synchronization via Wireless Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines deployed in the field face challenges in accessing and updating configuration data due to rapid advancements in computer and communication technologies, leading to variability across a fleet of aircraft in implementing uniform updates.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a communication adapter with wireless communication capabilities, coupled to a blockchain database and an engine manufacturer database, enables synchronization of configuration updates between the engine and offboard systems, allowing for secure and efficient transmission of updates without the need for physical access or customized cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical access and customized cables are used for configuration data updates, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system (cables and physical access) with a wireless communication system. The communication adapter uses wireless protocols to transmit configuration data between the engine control and ground-based systems, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining secure and reliable data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication adapter serves as an intermediary device between the engine control system and ground-based systems. It manages the wireless communication interface, handles data transmission, and coordinates configuration updates, thereby simplifying the overall process while maintaining security through controlled access protocols.
2Reliability
If uniform updates are applied across the fleet, then consistency and reliability are improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to sequential update processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows configuration updates to be prepared and staged in advance in the engine manufacturer database before being deployed to multiple engines. The communication adapter can queue and manage multiple update transactions, enabling batch processing and reducing the overall time required to update the entire fleet while ensuring consistency across all engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system enables continuous configuration update operations across the fleet without interruption to engine operation. Multiple engines can receive updates simultaneously or in rapid succession through the communication adapter, maintaining continuous operational capability while ensuring uniform configuration across all units.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter is designed as a multi-functional device that not only handles wireless configuration updates but also supports data logging, telemetry, and other communication functions. This universal approach consolidates multiple capabilities into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation for configuration updates.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rapid technology evolution is accommodated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter is designed with dynamic capabilities to support multiple wireless communication protocols and standards. It can adapt to evolving technology requirements by supporting protocol transitions and updating communication methods without requiring complete system replacement, thereby maintaining adaptability while managing complexity through a flexible, upgradable architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) includes an engine manufacturer database (134) communicatively coupled to a blockchain database (138) through a network (135), and a ground station (124) configured to wirelessly communicate with a communication adapter (102) of a gas turbine engine (104) of an aircraft (108). The communication adapter (102) includes a communication interface configured to communicate with an engine control (122) of the gas turbine engine (104). The system (100) is configured to monitor the blockchain database (134) for a configuration update associated with the aircraft (108) and update the engine manufacturer database (134) based on the configuration update. The system (100) is further configured to command a synchronization of the configuration update from the engine manufacturer database (134) to the communication adapter (102) of the gas turbine engine (104) tracked by the engine manufacturer database (134) and transmit the configuration update wirelessly to the communication adapter (102) through the communication interface to update a data storage unit of the gas turbine engine (104) with the configuration update.