Thrust Estimation via Strain Gauge and Accelerometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for estimating thrust from gas turbine engines are complex, inaccurate, and unreliable due to large random variations in parameters like pressure and temperature, especially during transient conditions, leading to incorrect throttle adjustments and potential misdiagnosis of engine health.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines steady-state thrust estimation using strain gauges and transient thrust estimation using accelerometers, with an algorithm that calculates total thrust by adding both components, allowing for accurate measurements during both steady-state and transient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex engine models using multiple parameters (temperature, pressure, shaft speed) are used to estimate thrust, then the estimation can cover various operating conditions, but the system complexity increases and measurement precision deteriorates due to large random variations in these parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the most critical parameters needed for thrust estimation, removing unnecessary complex parameters like multiple temperature and pressure sensors. By focusing only on shaft speed (from the engine controller) and acceleration (from a single accelerometer), the system achieves accurate thrust estimation without the complexity and measurement errors of comprehensive multi-parameter models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex thermodynamic modeling (using temperature and pressure measurements) with a mechanical approach based on Newton's second law (F=ma). By measuring acceleration directly and combining it with shaft speed, the system calculates thrust through mechanical principles rather than complex thermal-fluid dynamics, significantly simplifying the system while improving reliability.
2Device complexity
If thrust estimation is simplified to use a single parameter (shaft speed, pressure ratio, or temperature), then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability of thrust estimation deteriorates during transient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic measurement capabilities by incorporating an accelerometer that captures transient acceleration events. While shaft speed provides steady-state information, the accelerometer dynamically tracks changes during transient conditions (takeoff, maneuvering, go-around). This dynamic addition maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving reliability during transient operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two complementary measurement approaches: steady-state shaft speed measurement from the engine controller and transient acceleration measurement from the accelerometer. By combining these two simple measurements, the system achieves both simplicity and reliability across all operating conditions, avoiding the need for complex multi-parameter models.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex multi-parameter models are used for thrust estimation, then various operating conditions can be covered, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for expensive and delicate computers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, delicate high-performance computers with simple, robust microcontrollers that can run the thrust estimation algorithm. By simplifying the computational requirements through parameter reduction and using straightforward calculations (acceleration × mass + drag), the system can operate on inexpensive onboard electronics, greatly improving ease of operation and reliability.
4Device complexity
If simplified thrust estimation models are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because thrust cannot be well quantified and different throttle settings are required to achieve the same thrust on different days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the accelerometer continuously measures actual acceleration, which is fed back into the thrust calculation. This real-time feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust thrust estimates based on actual engine performance, compensating for variations in atmospheric conditions, engine wear, or other factors that cause different throttle settings to produce the same thrust on different days.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate and reliable thrust estimation by accounting for both steady-state and transient conditions, improving engine health monitoring and reducing the risk of incorrect throttle adjustments and misdiagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
At least one strain gauge 13 is mounted on an engine mount 44 to measure strain to estimate a steady-state portion of thrust
Implementation Method 2
At least one accelerometer 15 is mounted on the vehicle to measure acceleration to estimate a transient portion of thrust
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system, apparatus and method for estimating thrust from an engine, and more specifically, a system for estimating thrust from strain gauge and accelerometer measurements. At least one strain gauge is mounted on an engine mount to measure strain to estimate a constant velocity or steady-state portion of thrust. At least one accelerometer is mounted on the vehicle to measure acceleration to estimate a transient portion of thrust. Steady-state thrust estimation and transient thrust estimation are combined to estimate thrust from the engine. An algorithm provides steps for estimating thrust from strain gauge and accelerometer measurements.