Mid-Value Selection in Fly-by-Wire Primary Flight Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight control systems for aircraft rely on mechanical/hydraulic actuators for mid-value selection, which are less reliable, costly, and maintainable compared to electronic systems, necessitating a more cost-effective solution for fly-by-wire (FBW) computer architecture.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mid-value selection function integrated within each digital/analog conversion channel of the fly-by-wire system, utilizing a plurality of primary flight computers and actuation control electronics, where data from each computer is validated and selected based on predetermined criteria for output, replacing the traditional primary flight computer mid-value selection function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical/hydraulic actuators are used for mid-value selection, then the system can provide mid-value selection function, but the reliability is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/hydraulic actuators with electronic mid-value selection logic implemented in software within the Primary Flight Computer. This substitution eliminates the need for physical mechanical components, thereby improving reliability by removing wear-prone parts and reducing system complexity through integration of the selection function into the existing flight control computer architecture.
2Ease of repair
If mechanical/hydraulic actuators are used for mid-value selection, then the mid-value selection function is provided, but maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/hydraulic actuators with electronic mid-value selection logic implemented in software within the Primary Flight Computer. This substitution eliminates the need for physical mechanical components, thereby improving reliability by removing wear-prone parts and reducing system complexity through integration of the selection function into the existing flight control computer architecture.
3Reliability
If prior art PFC mid-value selection function is used, then functional integrity of 1.0E-10 per hour is achieved, but design and certification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mid-value selection function with the existing Primary Flight Computer architecture and digital/analog conversion channels. By integrating the selection logic into the existing flight control computer rather than implementing it as a separate dedicated system, the patent achieves the required functional integrity while reducing design and certification costs through consolidation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the mid-value selection function as a multi-functional capability within the Primary Flight Computer, allowing the same hardware platform to perform both flight control computation and mid-value selection. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall design and certification costs while maintaining the required functional integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system providing mid-value selection (MVS) for control command output in a fly-by-wire system where the fly-by-wire systems includes a plurality of primary flight computers (PFCs) receiving data through integrated flight control buses from actuation control electronics (ACE) for flight crew and status sensor inputs, the PFCs providing data through the flight control buses to the ACE for control signal output, provides elements for receiving in an ACE data from each PFC and receiving a data valid signal with respect to each PFC. Fresh data for each PFC is selected as the data received or past MVS output responsive to the respective data valid signal. Based on a predetermined criterion the system chooses from the PFC fresh data a selected set of PFC fresh data as the MVS output and stores the MVS output for use.