Multi-Motor Aircraft Propulsion Torque Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing propulsion systems in small aircraft driven by electric motors face challenges in detecting abnormalities such as demagnetization or overheating, leading to ununiform thrust distribution and increased pilot workload, which can compromise safety and stability.
Innovation Solution
A motorized aircraft configuration with multiple electric motors, where the total output and number are optimized to ensure safety and reliability, with real-time abnormality detection and identification through current and rotational speed monitoring, and torque estimation, allowing for seamless operation even during motor failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electric motors are used to drive the propulsion system, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent electric motor units, each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one motor fails, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each electric motor unit is equipped with its own abnormality detection and control mechanisms, allowing localized monitoring and control. This enables the system to identify and isolate failures in specific motors without affecting the entire propulsion system, improving reliability while keeping the control system manageable
2Reliability
If the number of electric motors is increased to maintain required output during failures, then reliability is improved, but weight of the drive system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses n electric motors where n is greater than the minimum required for takeoff, but not necessarily for all flight phases. During normal operation, all motors contribute to thrust, but during failure, the remaining motors can maintain sufficient output for safe operation and landing
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the output parameters of individual motors based on operational conditions and detected abnormalities. When a motor failure is detected, the remaining motors increase their output parameters to compensate, maintaining overall system performance without requiring excessive motor capacity
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring and abnormality detection systems are implemented, then reliability is improved through early fault detection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time monitoring of motor parameters such as current, rotational speed, and temperature, with feedback loops that continuously compare actual values against expected ranges. When abnormalities are detected, the system automatically adjusts control parameters or alerts operators, improving reliability through early detection while managing complexity through automated responses
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to automatically detect, diagnose, and respond to abnormalities without requiring constant external intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis and can automatically adjust motor operations or isolate failed components, improving reliability while reducing the operational burden and complexity of manual monitoring
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 configuration ensures safety and stability by maintaining required output even with motor failures, reducing pilot workload, and preventing changes in aircraft behavior, while minimizing the overall weight of the drive system.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electric motors that rotationally drive a propulsion system propeller or fan
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized aircraft is controlled by a drive control means that rotationally drives a propulsion system propeller. The propulsion system propeller is driven by a plurality of electric motors. A comparison detection unit compares estimated propeller torque and estimated motor torque with each other and detects an abnormal state of an electric motor on the basis of the fact that a difference between the propeller torque and a multiple of the motor torque is above a predetermined value.