Aircraft Throttle Position Selection Under Sensor Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the throttle position of an aircraft engine lack accuracy and reliability due to potential mismatches in sensor readings, which can affect engine operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing three sensors connected to an electronic engine controller to obtain independent throttle position measurements, detect mismatches by comparing differences between sensor readings, and select a valid position based on a third sensor to ensure accurate throttle position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to measure throttle position, then measurement reliability is improved, but sensor mismatch detection and resolution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensor array into two independent channels (Channel A with sensors 221, 222 and Channel B with sensor 223), where each channel independently determines throttle position. This segmentation allows comparison between channels to detect mismatches while maintaining independent operation, resolving the contradiction by organizing multiple sensors into structured groups rather than a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing throttle position measurements from Channel A and Channel B, detecting mismatches when differences exceed a threshold, and using the third sensor to select the valid position. This feedback mechanism automatically identifies and resolves sensor mismatches, improving reliability while managing complexity through algorithmic rather than hardware-based resolution.
2Measurement precision
If three sensors are implemented with mismatch detection, then throttle position accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a third sensor (223) as an additional dimension for validation, comparing it against the first two sensors (221, 222) to detect and resolve mismatches. This dimensional approach to error detection improves measurement precision by providing redundant verification without requiring complex resolution logic, as the third sensor serves as an independent reference point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of sensor quantity from two to three, enabling mismatch detection through numerical comparison. By implementing a third sensor, the system gains the ability to identify invalid readings through parameter disagreement, improving measurement accuracy while managing complexity through a straightforward numerical comparison approach rather than complex diagnostic procedures.
3Reliability
If sensor mismatch detection is implemented, then operational reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary comparison of sensor readings continuously in the background, detecting mismatches before they affect engine operation. By implementing preliminary detection through continuous monitoring and threshold comparison, the system resolves potential issues proactively rather than reactively, maintaining operational reliability while minimizing processing delays through pre-computed validation.
Solution Approach 2:
When a mismatch is detected, the system rapidly skips through the resolution process by immediately selecting the valid throttle position from the third sensor and implementing it without prolonged analysis. This rushing through the resolution step minimizes processing time loss while maintaining reliability, as the selection logic is straightforward and requires minimal computational overhead once a mismatch is identified.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining a throttle position of an aircraft are described herein. A first throttle position is obtained from a first sensor, a second throttle position is obtained from a second sensor, and a third throttle position is obtained from a third sensor. The first, second, and third sensors are separately coupled to a throttle of the aircraft for obtaining independent throttle position measurements therefrom. A difference between the first throttle position and the second throttle position is determined. A mismatch is detected when the difference between the first throttle position and the second throttle position exceeds a threshold. A valid one of the first throttle position and the second throttle position is selected based on the third throttle position, in response to detecting the mismatch. A signal indicative of the throttle position is outputted based on the valid one of the first throttle position and the second throttle position.