Redundant Park Brake Valve Assembly for Electrical Emergency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft braking systems lack redundancy and efficient electrical control for emergency and park braking, relying on mechanical mechanisms that may fail in critical situations.
Innovation Solution
A redundant emergency/park power source brake system is introduced, featuring multiple switches and valves in communication with brake control modules, allowing for electrically controlled fluid flow management to ensure reliable braking, with mechanical redundancy in case of electrical failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical cable control is used for braking systems, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability is insufficient and redundancy is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable-based braking control with an electrically controlled system. The electrical control system includes switches, control modules, and electrical signals that can be processed and distributed more reliably than mechanical cables, thereby improving braking system reliability while reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical cable position to electrical signals. The control module receives electrical signals from switches and converts them into controlled electrical outputs that actuate the braking system, allowing for more precise and reliable control with built-in redundancy capabilities
2Reliability
If electrical control is implemented for park and emergency braking, then control precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking control into separate park braking and emergency braking functions, each with dedicated switches and control paths. The park brake switch assembly and emergency brake switch assembly are distinct modules that can be independently controlled and diagnosed, improving reliability through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it processes signals from both park and emergency brake switches, controls both park and emergency brake valve assemblies, and can operate in redundant modes. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single module, reducing overall system complexity despite the added electrical components
3Reliability
If redundant power sources are added for emergency braking, then safety and reliability improve, but the system complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundancy by segmenting the brake valve control into primary and secondary valve assemblies. Each valve assembly has its own control circuitry and can be independently actuated. The control module can selectively activate either the primary or secondary valve assembly based on system state or failure conditions, providing redundancy without requiring a completely duplicated system
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the pilot's input switches and the brake valve assemblies. It intelligently routes control signals to the appropriate valve assembly (primary or secondary) based on system configuration, switch position, and detected failures. This intermediary function coordinates the redundant components, managing their complexity rather than simply adding to it
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 provides reliable and redundant electrical control for emergency and park braking, ensuring aircraft safety by enabling independent control of braking forces and maintaining functionality even in case of electrical system failures.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid may be in communication with both the park brake and emergency brake valve assemblies and may actuate the park brake and emergency brake valve assemblies in response to receiving a first signal and a second signal, respectively
Data Source
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AI summary
A redundant emergency/park power source brake system is disclosed. The brake system comprises a first brake control module (310A) having a first shut-off valve (312A) in fluid communication with an outboard servo-valve (314) and a second brake control module (300B) comprising a second shut-off valve (310B) in fluid communication with an inboard servo-valve (316). A first emergency/park power source (302) is in fluid communication with the first shut-off valve and a second emergency/park power source (302B) is in fluid communication with the second shut-off valve. The brake system also comprises a vehicle management system (286) in electronic communication with the first and second brake control modules. The first brake control module is configured to receive a first signal comprising at least one of a VMS signal, a park value or an emergency value, wherein in response to receiving the signal, the OBSV may be configured to at least partially open. The second brake control module is configured to receive a second signal comprising at least one of the VMS signal, the park value or the emergency value, wherein, in response to receiving the signal, the IBSV may be configured to at least partially open.