Inflight Propeller Balancing via Accelerometer Vibration Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current propeller balancing systems for aircraft either require ground-based engine runs for data collection, which is not representative of in-flight conditions, or collect data at specific points in time that do not account for operational flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses accelerometers to collect vibration data from propellers during flight, processing this data to determine stable cruise conditions and assess vibration levels, triggering balancing needs and providing balancing solutions, with data transmission to a ground server for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-based engine runs are used to collect data for propeller balancing, then data collection can be performed, but the data is not representative of in-flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ground-based mechanical testing systems with an in-flight data collection system using accelerometers and sensors that operate during actual flight conditions. This substitution allows data to be collected in the actual operational environment, making it representative of true flight conditions while maintaining reliability through real-world measurement.
2Device complexity
If data is collected at specific points in time, then data collection is simplified, but operational flight conditions are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic data collection system that continuously monitors flight parameters and automatically selects data points based on actual operational conditions. The system adjusts data collection timing dynamically, gathering information during stable cruise conditions while filtering out data from transient phases like takeoff and landing. This maintains simplicity while achieving condition-specific accuracy.
3Reliability
If in-flight data collection is implemented, then balancing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single in-flight monitoring system. The same sensor array used for general flight parameter monitoring is also utilized for propeller balancing data collection. The system simultaneously performs flight data acquisition, condition assessment, and balancing analysis, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high balancing accuracy through multi-functional integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time, condition-specific propeller balancing that considers actual flight operations, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of propeller balancing by using in-flight data to determine when and how to balance propellers, thus enhancing aircraft performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
obtain propeller-specific vibration data from acceleration data produced by an accelerometer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for propeller balancing of an aircraft comprising a propeller (102). Acceleration data is obtained from an acceleration sensor (204) coupled to the aircraft. The acceleration data is filtered using a filter (264) to obtain propeller-specific vibration data, the filter defining a range of acceptable frequencies associated with a frequency of rotation of the propeller (102). The propeller-specific vibration data is compared to trend data associated with the propeller (102). When the propeller-specific vibration data differs from the trend data beyond a predetermined threshold, an alert indicative of a balancing need for the propeller (102) is issued.