Aircraft Reverse Thrust Override Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft reverse thrust systems require careful pilot coordination and are prone to inadvertent activation during flight, limiting their availability and safety during landing maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that override the protection module's active state by detecting the aircraft's on-ground status using sensors, allowing the reverse thrust system to operate regardless of its initial state, and include a control system with a preservation module to ensure the reverse thrust system is operable when the aircraft is on the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection module is implemented to prevent inadvertent thrust reversal during flight, then safety is improved, but reverse thrust availability during landing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protection module dynamically adjusts its state between active and disabled based on detected aircraft conditions (on-ground vs in-flight). When on-ground conditions are detected, the module transitions to a disabled state, allowing reverse thrust operation. When in-flight conditions are detected, the module transitions to an active state, preventing reverse thrust operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system both safe and appropriately available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the protection module (active/disabled state) based on detected aircraft conditions. The control system monitors aircraft state parameters and accordingly modifies the protection module's functionality, enabling reverse thrust when on-ground and disabling it when in-flight, thus resolving the availability-safety contradiction.
2Reliability
If the protection module is kept in active state to prevent inadvertent activation, then safety is improved, but reverse thrust system responsiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protection module transitions from a static active state to a dynamic state that responds to aircraft conditions. Upon detecting on-ground status, the module quickly transitions to disabled state, enabling immediate reverse thrust responsiveness. This dynamic behavior eliminates the delay associated with keeping the module continuously active while maintaining safety through condition-based activation.
3Reliability
If pilot coordination requirements are maintained for reverse thrust operation, then safety is improved, but operational complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The protection module operates autonomously by self-monitoring aircraft conditions and self-adjusting its state without requiring continuous pilot intervention. The system automatically detects on-ground vs in-flight conditions and accordingly enables or disables reverse thrust capability, reducing the coordination burden on pilots while maintaining safety through automated condition assessment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method of operating a reverse thrust system (30) of an aircraft engine (10) comprises receiving a status signal indicative that the aircraft (1) is on-ground or in-flight; and upon detecting that the aircraft (1) is on-ground, overriding a protection module (44b) such that the reverse thrust system (30) is operable regardless of the protection module (44b) being in an active state or in a disabled state, the protection module (44b) causing, absent the overriding, the reverse thrust system (30) to be inoperable when in the active state.