Sensor Fusion Control for Fault-Tolerant Actuator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-mechanical actuators in aerospace applications lack robust fault detection and tolerance mechanisms, particularly in the transition from hydraulic/mechanical systems to distributed electro-mechanical systems, necessitating improved sensor fusion and fault detection for precise positioning and control.
Innovation Solution
A fault-tolerant actuation system utilizing multiple sensors for data fusion, including a sensor fusion module and fault detection module, which compares sensor data to identify errors, isolate faulty sensors, and adjust sensor fusion processes to maintain accurate actuator positioning and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for measurement, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement function by using multiple independent sensors (first sensor measuring input parameter, second sensor measuring output parameter) to measure different aspects of actuator position. Each sensor operates independently, and their data are fused through a sensor fusion module to achieve high-precision position estimation without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor fusion module serves multiple functions: it processes data from multiple sensors, performs position estimation, detects faults through comparison, and provides fault isolation. This multi-functional approach improves measurement precision while managing system complexity by consolidating processing capabilities in a single module.
2Reliability
If sensor fusion and fault detection mechanisms are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection module performs preliminary fault detection by continuously comparing sensor data with sensor fusion estimates. This early detection mechanism identifies sensor faults before they compromise system reliability, allowing for timely fault isolation and maintaining system operation without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the fault detection module that monitors sensor performance by comparing actual sensor readings with estimated values from sensor fusion. When discrepancies indicate faults, the feedback mechanism triggers fault isolation procedures, improving reliability through continuous monitoring while managing complexity through automated feedback-based fault management.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time sensor fusion processing is performed, then position control precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor fusion module performs partial processing by focusing computational resources on estimating the critical position parameter rather than processing all possible sensor data comprehensively. This selective approach maintains positioning precision by concentrating processing power on the most important measurements while reducing overall energy consumption compared to exhaustive processing of all sensor data.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for fault toleration actuation include an actuator with a position. A first sensor measures a first parameter associated with the actuator. A second sensor measures a second parameter associated with the actuator. A sensor fusion module receives data from each of the first and second sensor and executes a sensor fusion process on the data received to estimate the position of the actuator. A fault detection module is configured to receive data from the first and second sensor, to receive sensor fusion data from the sensor fusion module, to compare the data received from the first and second sensor with the sensor fusion estimate, to identify an error in the data received from either of the first or second sensor based on the comparison, and to determine a fault exists in the first or second sensor based on the error.