Prognostic Processor for Avionics Failure Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for failure analysis of avionic electronic systems, particularly Line Replacement Units (LRUs), lack real-time predictive capabilities, relying on manual estimation and post-data analysis, which is inefficient and costly, especially considering the high operational costs associated with unscheduled delays in aircraft operations.
Innovation Solution
A prognostic processor system integrated with LRUs, utilizing a predictive failure analysis model that interacts with sensors and historic log information to predict failures in real-time, employing a hierarchical processing approach with multiple processors interconnected via a system bus for enhanced fault prediction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual failure analysis methods are used for LRUs, then system cost is reduced, but failure prediction accuracy and timeliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The LRU performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring through integrated sensors and processing units that continuously assess its own health status, eliminating the need for external manual inspection while maintaining high prediction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Manual failure analysis is replaced by an automated electronic system comprising sensors, processing units, and algorithms that continuously monitor LRU parameters and predict failures, transitioning from mechanical/manual methods to automated electronic diagnostics
2Productivity
If real-time failure prediction systems are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The failure prediction system is segmented into modular components including sensors, processing units, and communication interfaces that can be independently implemented or scaled, allowing gradual deployment and cost management
Solution Approach 2:
The prognostic system is designed to monitor multiple LRU types and parameters using a unified architecture, enabling the same system to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system cost through reuse of components and algorithms
3Loss of time
If manual failure analysis is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but response time to failures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring of LRU parameters through always-active sensors and processing, ensuring that failure prediction is performed without interruption and providing immediate response when degradation patterns are detected
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary failure prediction by continuously analyzing trends and patterns before actual failure occurs, enabling proactive maintenance scheduling and preventing unexpected downtime
Data Source
AI summary
A prognostic processor for predicting machine failure in avionics electronics comprises prognostic capabilities in a single integrated circuit, with a processor, volatile and non-volatile memory, clock, on-chip and off-chip sensors and transducers, A/D converters, a common I/O interface adapted to be employed in a network of similar prognostic processors, and predictive Failure Analysis (FA) model software, which may be distributed throughout the network. The FA software employs a log file history, with the log file history storing data collected by the prognostic processor, real-time execution of a predictive model, with the ability to update the FA model with data from field failures. The prognostic processor network supports hierarchical processing to work with multiple prognostic processors. The prognostic processor system is applicable to FA monitoring of a wide range of avionics electronic equipment, in particular, Line Replacement Units (LRUs).