Air Data Probe Prognostics Using Edge-Cloud Health Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft-based health monitoring systems lack the sophistication to analyze data using complex health monitoring algorithms for real-time prediction of remaining useful life and predicted failure of air data probes, requiring data transmission to a ground station and modification of monitoring parameters, which is inefficient and lacks accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic health monitoring system with a coordinator that includes communication interfaces for edge devices and cloud infrastructure, a processing unit to analyze synthesized data, and implement data analytics applications for real-time prediction of air data probe failures, enabling accurate estimation of remaining useful life and imminent failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data is transmitted to a ground station for complex health monitoring analysis, then measurement precision of probe health status is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to delayed real-time prediction
Solution Approach 1:
The health monitoring system is segmented into two parts: a data acquisition module on the aircraft that collects probe parameters, and a ground station that performs complex health monitoring algorithms. This segmentation allows real-time data collection in-flight while complex analysis is performed ground-based, resolving the contradiction between real-time capability and analysis precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A data transmission and processing intermediary system is introduced between the probe and the ground station, enabling automated data exchange and preliminary processing. This intermediary facilitates efficient data transfer and enables the ground-based system to perform sophisticated analysis without delaying critical real-time predictions.
2Reliability
If a sophisticated health monitoring algorithm is implemented, then reliability of failure prediction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground station acts as an intermediary that hosts the sophisticated health monitoring algorithms, keeping the complex computational burden away from the aircraft-based data acquisition module. This allows reliable failure prediction through complex algorithms while maintaining simplicity of the onboard system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a centralized ground-based processing platform that can be replicated and updated independently of the aircraft systems. This copying approach allows sophisticated algorithms to be deployed and updated on the ground without modifying the aircraft hardware, maintaining reliability while managing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the data acquisition module is removed and reinstalled for parameter modification, then adaptability of monitoring parameters is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a centralized database or configuration repository that stores monitoring parameters. The ground station can update parameter configurations by copying new values to the database, which are then automatically downloaded to the data acquisition module during the next connection. This eliminates the need for physical module removal and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical process of physically removing and reinstalling the data acquisition module is replaced with an electronic/software-based parameter update mechanism. Configuration changes are transmitted digitally through the communication interface, substituting mechanical operations with electronic data exchange for greater ease of operation.
4Reliability
If frequent switching of heating element is performed to prevent ice formation, then reliability of probe operation is improved, but the heating element durability deteriorates leading to abrupt failure
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates using periodic cyclic switching rather than continuous operation. The control system activates the heating element in periodic cycles based on detected temperature conditions, providing sufficient ice prevention while allowing the element to cool down between cycles, thereby extending its operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses preliminary detection of ice formation conditions through temperature sensors and triggers heating element activation before actual ice formation occurs. This preliminary anti-action prevents ice accumulation while minimizing heating element operation time, reducing wear and extending durability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coordinator for use in a system for monitoring a vehicle-borne probe includes a first communication interface (48) configured to exchange data with at least one edge device (18) of a plurality of edge devices, a second communication interface (48) configured to exchanged data with a cloud infrastructure (26) and at least one vehicle system, and a processing unit (40). The processing unit (40) is configured to analyze synthesized data comprising first data outputs from at least one edge device (18) of the plurality of edge devices, second data outputs from at least one edge device (18) of the plurality of edge devices, and data from the at least one vehicle system. The processing unit (40) is further configured to implement a data processing application to analyze the synthesized data to generate a third data output, and incorporate the synthesized data and the third data output into a data package.