Multi-Engine Asymmetric Exit Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack efficient methods for managing engine operating regimes in multi-engine aircraft, particularly for transitioning out of asymmetric operating modes where fuel efficiency may be compromised.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for operating a multi-engine aircraft that includes various exit protocols based on engine acceleration rates, distinguishing between non-emergency and emergency exits, and differentiating between system-commanded and pilot-commanded requests, allowing for smooth transitions out of asymmetric operating regimes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single engine is operated at high regime instead of both engines at lower regimes, then fuel efficiency is improved, but engine operating complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engine operating regimes into distinct asymmetric and symmetric modes, with clear transition protocols. The system divides engine control into separate pathways: one for asymmetric operation (single engine at high regime) and another for symmetric operation (both engines at lower regimes), allowing the aircraft to switch between these segmented modes based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic transition protocols that automatically adjust engine regimes based on real-time operational conditions. The system dynamically switches between asymmetric and symmetric operating modes, with predefined acceleration and deceleration rates for smooth transitions. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to operate in the fuel-efficient asymmetric mode when appropriate while maintaining the capability to transition to symmetric mode when needed.
2Reliability
If multiple exit protocols with different acceleration rates are implemented, then transition safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of engine acceleration rate to create multiple exit protocols. Different acceleration rates (e.g., rapid, moderate, gradual) are defined as distinct protocols, allowing the system to select the appropriate rate based on the specific transition scenario. This parameter variation enables tailored transitions for different operational contexts while maintaining a structured protocol framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential elements of safe transitions (acceleration rates, timing, conditions) into standardized exit protocols that can be independently selected and applied. By taking out the critical safety parameters and formalizing them as discrete protocols, the system achieves reliability through proven transition methods while keeping the overall system manageable through protocol selection rather than complex real-time calculations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If asymmetric operating regime is used, then fuel consumption is reduced, but operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal exit protocol system that can handle multiple operational scenarios from a single asymmetric operating regime. The same asymmetric mode serves as the foundation for various exit protocols (rapid exit, moderate exit, gradual exit), allowing the system to maintain fuel efficiency during cruise while adapting to different operational requirements through protocol selection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the asymmetric regime a versatile base state rather than a limited mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for operating an aircraft having two or more engines (10A, 10B) are described. The method comprises operating the two or more engines (10A, 10B) of the aircraft in an asymmetric operating regime, wherein a first of the engines (10A, 10B) is in an active mode to provide motive power to the aircraft and a second of the engines (10A, 10B) is in a standby mode to provide substantially no motive power to the aircraft, receiving a request to exit the asymmetric operating regime, the request having at least one parameter associated therewith, selecting one of a plurality of available exit protocols as a function of the at least one parameter, and applying the exit protocol by commanding the engines accordingly.