Integrated Engine and Bleed Controller for Aircraft Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft engine control systems require lengthy electrical cabling between the environmental control system bleed controller in the fuselage and sensors and actuators on the engine, leading to weight, cost, and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the environmental control system bleed controller with the electronic engine controller using a digital data bus for communication, reducing the need for extensive electrical cabling and sharing a housing and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the environmental control system bleed controller is located in the fuselage and connected to engine sensors and actuators via electrical cabling, then the control function is achieved, but the system weight increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the environmental control system bleed controller with the electronic engine controller into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrical cabling between the fuselage-mounted ECS controller and engine components, as both controllers are now co-located on the engine. The integration directly addresses the technical contradiction by reducing cabling weight while maintaining control functionality, thereby improving reliability and reducing system weight.
2Reliability
If extensive electrical cabling is used to connect the bleed controller to engine components, then control signals can be transmitted, but the cost increases and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the ECS bleed controller into the electronic engine controller consolidates multiple control functions into a single unit. This reduces the number of electrical connections and potential failure points associated with extensive cabling. The simplified architecture directly addresses the contradiction by reducing device complexity while improving reliability through fewer connection interfaces.
3Weight of moving object
If the bleed controller is integrated with the electronic engine controller, then weight and cost are reduced, but the control architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller performs multiple functions: it serves as both the electronic engine controller and the environmental control system bleed controller. This multi-functionality approach consolidates control responsibilities into a single unit, reducing overall system weight by eliminating redundant hardware and cabling. The principle resolves the contradiction by achieving weight reduction through functional integration, where the complexity is managed through a universal controller design rather than multiple separate systems.
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
This integration results in significant weight savings, cost reductions, and improved reliability by minimizing electrical cabling length and potential failure points, while maintaining effective control of bleed air for cabin temperature and pressure regulation.
Implementation Method 1
it is 'pre-cooled' by flowing through an air-to-air heat exchanger known as a 'pre-cooler.' Cool fan air from the bypass region of the engine also flows through the pre-cooler to cool the bleed air.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An integrated electronic engine control and environmental control system bleed control apparatus for use with an aircraft engine. The apparatus comprises an electronic engine controller (18), an environmental control system bleed controller (30) for controlling a flow of bleed air from the aircraft engine (12) to an environmental control system (28) located in an aircraft fuselage (14), and a housing (34) for mounting on or near the aircraft engine (12). The housing (34) contains both the electronic engine controller (18) and the environmental control system bleed controller (30).