Turbomachine Sensor Signal Validation for Intermittent Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current turbomachine measurement systems are prone to errors due to intermittent contacts, which are not effectively adapted to by existing detection methods, especially when an estimation model for sensor measurements is unavailable, leading to erroneous information being sent to pilots or regulating systems.

Innovation Solution

A control method that acquires signals from redundant turbomachine sensors, determines their validity based on increment and standard deviation thresholds, and transmits a processed signal that is free from intermittent contact errors, allowing the system to ignore invalid sensors and ensure reliable data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a model-based estimation method is used to detect intermittent contacts, then detection capability is improved for sensors with available models, but the measuring chain cannot be adapted for sensors without estimation models

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintermittent contact detection capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different sensor types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the detection parameters from model-based physical relationships to statistical signal characteristics (standard deviation, increment thresholds). This allows the same detection method to be applied universally to any sensor type regardless of whether an estimation model exists, while maintaining detection capability through statistical analysis of signal variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the model-based estimation mechanism with a statistical signal processing mechanism. Instead of relying on physical models to predict sensor behavior, the system uses standard deviation and threshold comparisons of actual signal increments, substituting a universal statistical approach for sensor-type-specific model-based approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If saturation values are used for permanent circuit openings, then invalid sensor information is detected, but intermittent open circuits cause oscillating values that lead to erroneous information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor malfunction detectionVSAvoiderroneous information transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements feedback by continuously monitoring signal increments and comparing them against dynamically calculated thresholds based on signal standard deviation. This continuous feedback mechanism detects intermittent contacts by identifying abnormal signal variations, allowing the system to adaptively respond to changing circuit conditions and prevent erroneous information transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies partial action by using threshold-based filtering rather than complete signal rejection. Instead of discarding all saturation values, the system selectively identifies and filters only those signals exceeding the calculated threshold, maintaining useful information while removing erroneous data points caused by intermittent contacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If redundant sensors are used to ensure safety, then measurement reliability is improved, but intermittent contacts on redundant channels still cause excessive deviation and arbitrary value selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system redundancyVSAvoiddeviation threshold accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies dynamics by making the deviation threshold adaptive rather than fixed. The threshold is dynamically calculated based on the standard deviation of signals from redundant sensors, allowing the system to automatically adjust to varying operating conditions and sensor characteristics, thereby maintaining measurement precision across different scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal detection method that works across all redundant sensor channels regardless of their specific characteristics. By using standard deviation and increment thresholds, the same detection mechanism universally applies to any sensor type in the redundant system, eliminating the need for channel-specific calibration or model-based approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11346750B2Intermittent contact detection on motor sensor

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

ABSTRACT A control method of a measurement supplied by a first turbomachine sensor by a first channel, and by a second turbomachine sensor by a second communication channel includes: acquiring the first signal from the first communication channel and the second signal from the second communication channel; determining of a validity status of each of the acquired signals; and transmitting of a signal to be processed.