Aircraft Propulsion Power Assessment via Partial Action

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for checking the maximum power available in aircraft propulsion systems, especially in hybrid and all-electric propulsion systems, are inadequate as they cannot accurately determine the maximum power capacity under operating conditions, leading to uncertainties and complex maintenance operations.

Innovation Solution

A method is proposed to check the maximum power available to members of an aircraft propulsion system by placing each member in a maximum power state, adjusting the power delivery of synergistic members, determining the delivered power, and deducing the maximum power available. This method ensures that each member can deliver maximum power under various operating conditions, including take-off and One Engine Inoperative (OEI) states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature and rotation speed measurements are carried out to determine maximum power capacity, then the capacity to deliver maximum power can be assessed, but the power level tested is significantly less than take-off power, increasing uncertainty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum power capacity assessmentVSAvoiduncertainty about power delivery capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by testing each propulsion member individually at reduced power levels rather than requiring full take-off power testing. Each member is tested separately with other members adjusted to compensate, allowing assessment of maximum power capacity without subjecting the entire system to extreme stress conditions that would increase uncertainty or risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If maintenance operations are performed to detect latent failures, then component reliability can be improved, but the operations are particularly delicate and complicated, requiring specific tools and qualified staff

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of latent failuresVSAvoidmaintenance operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the propulsion system to perform self-diagnosis and self-testing through automated monitoring of temperature, rotation speed, and power delivery parameters. The system automatically detects latent failures by comparing actual performance against expected performance characteristics, eliminating the need for complex manual maintenance operations requiring specialized tools and highly qualified staff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If the valid turbine engine delivers power greater than rated power to compensate for failure, then sufficient power is available for safe flight continuation, but the engine is damaged and can no longer be used without heavy maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery in OEI stateVSAvoidengine usability after compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the propulsion system into multiple independent members (turbine engines, electric motors, propellers) that can be tested and monitored separately. By testing each member individually at manageable power levels with other members adjusted to compensate, the system can assess maximum power capacity without requiring any single member to operate beyond its rated capacity, thereby avoiding damage while ensuring overall system capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If the propulsion system is tested at maximum power state, then the maximum power available can be accurately determined, but the risk of damage or failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum power availability determinationVSAvoidrisk of damage or failure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by distributing the maximum power testing across multiple members sequentially rather than testing all members simultaneously at full power. Each member is tested individually at its maximum capacity while other members are adjusted to compensate, achieving accurate maximum power determination without concentrating excessive stress on any single component, thereby minimizing damage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250033785A1Method for checking the maximum power available to different members of a propulsion chain of an aircraft
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES
  • US20250033785A1 patent drawing
  • US20250033785A1 patent drawing
  • US20250033785A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for checking the maximum power available to members of a propulsion system of an aircraft includes first members that are sized to compensate for the failure of second members of the propulsion system by delivering a maximum power to keep the aircraft in a safe operating range. The method includes the following steps for each of the first members: placing the first member in a state that is substantially equal to a maximum power state; adjusting the power delivered by the second member working in synergy with the first member so that the first member and the second member contribute to delivering the power required for the aircraft in the flight phase; determining the power delivered by the first member placed in the maximum power state; from the determined power, deducing information relating to the maximum power available to the first member.