Electric Aircraft Propulsor Torque Estimation for Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric aircraft, particularly eVTOLs, there is a need to accurately estimate propulsor torque to ensure safety and maneuverability, as component malfunctions can compromise aircraft integrity and safety during flight.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a sensor to detect output torque, a flight controller with a computing device to receive and process torque data, and an ideal propulsor model to generate a percentage torque datum and obstruction data, enabling the estimation and display of torque percentage and potential obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time torque monitoring and analysis systems are implemented, then aircraft safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the torque monitoring function into distinct modules: sensor module for detecting actual torque, computing device for receiving and processing data, ideal propulsor model for generating expected torque values, and analysis module for comparing actual versus expected torque. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, improving reliability through specialized design while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ideal propulsor model as an intermediary that generates expected torque values based on performance parameters. This intermediary enables indirect monitoring by comparing actual torque measurements against predicted values, allowing the system to detect anomalies without requiring direct measurement of all possible failure modes, thus improving safety while controlling system complexity.
2Loss of information
If torque detection and analysis systems are implemented, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing actual torque measurements against expected torque values from the ideal propulsor model. The computing device receives actual torque data, compares it with predicted values, and generates alerts when deviations exceed thresholds. This feedback mechanism ensures complete information capture about propulsor performance while managing complexity through automated comparison and threshold-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical torque measurement systems with an electrical sensing and computational approach. Instead of using elaborate mechanical instrumentation, the system uses electrical sensors to detect torque and computational algorithms to analyze the data, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy and information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for estimating percentage torque produced by a propulsor configured for use in an electric aircraft, the system including a propulsor, the propulsor configured to generate output torque. The system including a sensor, the sensor configured to detect the output torque and generate an output torque datum. The system including a flight controller including a computing device configured to receive an output torque datum, receive an ideal propulsor model, the ideal propulsor model including at least a performance parameter, generate a model torque datum, including a model torque datum threshold, as a function of the at least a performance parameter, generate a percentage datum as a function of the output torque datum and model torque datum, and determine, at least an obstruction datum correlated to the torque percentage datum, and display torque percentage datum and the at least an obstruction datum.