Turbojet Thrust Inverter Actuator Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser systems for turbojet engines, particularly those using electromechanical actuators, face frequent unavailability due to component failures, which can lead to system downtime and safety risks, especially in constrained spaces like the forward section of the nacelle.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling cowling actuators that includes electric motors, control means to detect and accommodate non-disabling failures, allowing the system to switch to a failure-accommodating mode, using position sensors, power management, and aerodynamic effects to maintain operation, and alerting users to degraded performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical actuators are used to replace hydraulic or pneumatic systems, then weight is reduced and reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to electrical components and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The control means continuously monitor the status of electrical components and sensors, detecting failures and switching to backup components or degraded modes. This feedback mechanism manages the complexity of electrical systems by automatically responding to component failures, thereby maintaining reliability despite the increased number of electrical components.
2Weight of moving object
If a complete electrical system with actuators, power and control components, and sensors is implemented, then weight saving and smaller size are achieved, but the frequency of system unavailability increases due to component failures
Solution Approach 1:
The control means are designed with built-in failure detection and accommodation capabilities that prepare for potential component failures before they occur. When a failure is detected, the system automatically switches to backup components or degraded operational modes, cushioning against the impact of failures and maintaining system availability despite the lightweight electrical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between normal mode and failure-accommodating modes. In failure-accommodating mode, the control means modify control signals to account for failed components, allowing the lightweight electrical system to maintain functionality and availability even when components fail.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system makes unavailable instances upon component failure to ensure safety, then safety is maintained, but system availability and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational status based on failure detection. Instead of statically shutting down upon any failure, the control means evaluate the nature of the failure and dynamically switch to appropriate degraded modes or backup components. This dynamic response maintains safety by monitoring critical parameters while preserving availability through continued operation in reduced-capacity modes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system for at least one actuator (6) for the cowlings of a thrust inverter in a turbojet engine, that comprises an assembly of actuation and/or control components. A control means (9) is provided for detecting the failure of an actuation and/or control component (7, 16, 13), for determining the blocking or non-blocking character of the failure for the system operation and, in case of a non-blocking failure, for switching from a nominal operation mode to a failure-adaptation operation mode in which the failure of the actuation and/or control component (7, 16, 13) is compensated at least partially by a modified instruction of the other actuation and/or control components (7, 16, 13).