Turbojet Engine Control System Using Shared Motor and Switching Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for powering and controlling electromechanical equipment in aircraft engines, such as gas turbine engines, are complex and costly due to the need for separate actuation devices, electric motors, and control electronics for each function, leading to increased bulk, weight, and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A control system that shares a single electric motor and electronic control unit among multiple electromechanical actuation devices, using a switching device to distribute mechanical energy selectively to different actuation devices based on the function to be performed, allowing for common electronics and motors to be used across distinct functions like thrust reversers and maintenance covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate actuation devices, electric motors, and control electronics are used for each function, then each function can be independently controlled and operated, but the system complexity, weight, and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single electric motor and control electronics unit that can serve multiple functions (thrust reverser, maintenance cover, etc.) through a switching device that directs the motor's output to different actuation devices based on operational requirements. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall number of components while maintaining the ability to independently control each function when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges separate control systems by combining multiple electric motors and control electronics into a single integrated unit. The switching device acts as an intermediary that consolidates the power transmission path, allowing one motor to control multiple actuation devices that would traditionally require separate motors and control systems.
2Reliability
If separate electric motors and control electronics are provided for each actuation device, then reliable independent operation is ensured, but the weight and bulk of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control electronics and electric motor are designed as universal components that can reliably control multiple different actuation devices. The switching device ensures that the motor's output is reliably directed to the appropriate actuation device, maintaining operational reliability while eliminating the need for separate motors for each function, thereby reducing overall system weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single electric motor and control unit are shared among multiple functions, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but the complexity of energy distribution and switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device serves as an intermediary component that simplifies the energy distribution architecture. Instead of requiring complex control logic within the motor or control electronics themselves, the switching device acts as a dedicated mediator that directs power from the single motor to the appropriate actuation device based on operational mode, reducing the overall system complexity while enabling cost savings.
4Power
If the electric motor is dimensioned for the main function that consumes the most power, then the main function can be operated effectively, but secondary functions that require less power cannot share the same motor efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The control electronics are capable of changing operational parameters such as motor speed, torque, and power delivery based on the specific function being actuated. This allows the same motor, dimensioned for the high-power main function, to operate efficiently at reduced power levels for secondary functions, thereby achieving versatility across different operational requirements without requiring separate motors for each function type.
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs, weight, and design complexity by allowing a single motor and control unit to manage multiple functions, while also providing redundancy for secondary functions and enhancing safety through proper energy distribution verification.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor adapted to supply mechanical energy to each of the actuation devices
Implementation Method 2
at least one switching device interposed between the motor and the actuation devices, the switching device(s) serving to distribute the mechanical energy supplied by the electric motor selectively to one of the actuation devices
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for controlling a plurality of distinct functions of a turbojet engine, each function being associated with a respective actuation device. The system includes: an electric motor adapted to supply mechanical energy to each of the actuation devices; an electronic control unit for the electric motor; and at least one switching device interposed between the motor and the actuation devices, the switching device(s) serving to distribute the mechanical energy supplied by the electric motor selectively to one of the actuation devices.