Gas Turbine Engine Wireless Data Gateway via Aircraft Communication Unit
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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, making it difficult to interface with offboard systems effectively over their extended service life.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes an aircraft wireless gateway to securely transmit packaged engine data from a gas turbine engine's sensor data to a ground station via various communication protocols, including cellular, WiFi, and satellite, using a header with identifiers to manage data transmission and updates, allowing for wireless communication without the need for physical cables or opening the engine cowling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical cable connections are used to access engine data and update configuration items, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but the system requires opening the engine cowling and physical access to the engine control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless communication technology. The engine control system incorporates a wireless communication interface that enables data transmission and configuration updates without physical cables, eliminating the need to open the engine cowling and connect physical cables to the engine control unit.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the engine control system uses fixed communication technology, then system stability is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to rapid advancements in communication technology during the engine's service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication architecture where the engine control system can adapt to different communication technologies and protocols. The system includes a communication interface that supports multiple communication standards and can be updated with new communication technologies without replacing the entire engine control system, allowing evolution alongside technological advancements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the communication functionality from the core engine control functions. The communication interface is implemented as a distinct module that can be independently updated or upgraded, while the core engine control system remains stable. This segmentation allows communication technology to evolve without affecting the fundamental engine control operations.
3Ease of operation
If configuration control items are updated in the field, then operational flexibility is improved, but secure authentication and data integrity verification become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a secure authentication and verification system where the ground station and engine control system exchange authentication credentials and verify data integrity through cryptographic methods. The system provides feedback on authentication status and data integrity, ensuring that only authorized configuration updates are applied while maintaining secure field operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples described herein provide a method that includes receiving engine data 208 from a sensor 206 associated with the engine 104. The method further includes associating a header with the engine data 208 to generate packaged engine data. The method further includes transmitting the packaged engine data to an aircraft communication unit 102, wherein the header provides for the aircraft communication unit 102 to transmit the packaged engine data to a ground station communication unit 106 via a communication protocol.