Independent Manual Cabin Pressure Control Using Closed-Loop Electric Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

All-electric cabin pressure control systems in aircraft lack a reliable manual control mechanism that can independently maintain cabin pressure after automatic control system failures, leading to pilot distraction and increased workload, and existing pneumatic systems are cumbersome and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

An independent manual control system using an electric switch and closed-loop control to adjust the outflow valve, allowing pilots to set and maintain cabin pressure setpoints, reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments and integrating seamlessly with existing flight deck systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an all-electric cabin pressure control system is used, then the system becomes more reliable and cost-effective, but it lacks a reliable manual control mechanism that can independently maintain cabin pressure after automatic control system failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmanual control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent parts: an automatic pressure control system and a manual control system. The manual control system includes its own independent closed-loop control circuitry that can autonomously maintain cabin pressure without requiring pilot intervention, while the automatic system handles normal operations. This segmentation ensures that failure of one system does not compromise the other's ability to maintain cabin pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manual control system is designed to be self-service capable through its independent closed-loop control mechanism. Once the pilot sets the desired cabin pressure using the electric switch, the system automatically maintains that pressure without requiring continuous pilot attention or manual adjustments, effectively serving itself after the initial setting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional pneumatic manual control systems are used, then manual control is available, but the system becomes cumbersome and less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control availabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional pneumatic mechanical control system with an all-electric system. The manual control mechanism uses electric motors to adjust the outflow valve position and electronic closed-loop control to maintain cabin pressure, eliminating the need for complex pneumatic components, hoses, and mechanical linkages. This substitution reduces device complexity while improving reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual pressure adjustments are required frequently, then cabin pressure can be maintained, but pilot distraction and workload increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabin pressure maintenanceVSAvoidpilot efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual control system incorporates an independent closed-loop feedback mechanism that continuously monitors cabin pressure and automatically adjusts the outflow valve position to maintain the desired pressure setpoint. This feedback system eliminates the need for frequent pilot interventions by autonomously correcting pressure deviations, thereby maintaining cabin pressure reliability while preserving pilot efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The closed-loop control system serves itself by automatically detecting pressure deviations and making necessary adjustments without pilot intervention. After the pilot sets the initial pressure target using the electric switch, the system independently maintains cabin pressure throughout flight conditions changes, freeing the pilot from repetitive manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system reduces pilot workload by maintaining cabin pressure autonomously, is cost-effective, and provides reliability advantages over pneumatic systems, ensuring consistent cabin pressure without diverting pilot attention from other critical flight tasks.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor configured to control a position of the OFV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

processing circuitry configured to: receive a signal indicating a pressure of the cabin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 3

An outflow valve (OFV) may be used to release pressure from inside the cabin to the atmosphere

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11603206B2Cabin pressure control system with all-electric OFV, using dis-similar manual control that performs cabin altitude hold function

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 LAM RES CORP

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to an independent manual control system of an all-electric cabin pressure control system (CPCS). The manual control system may include a momentary electrical switch to manually set the position of an outflow valve (OFV) along with a closed loop control to hold the cabin pressure at the pressure setpoint. The closed loop control of the manual control system is independent from the automatic pressure control functions of the all-electric CPCS.