Uncommanded High Thrust Detection via Fuel Flow Error Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft thrust control system failures can lead to uncommanded and uncontrollable high thrust events during critical flight phases, posing hazardous situations, particularly during landing or takeoff, due to high pilot workloads and the need for split-second decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting uncommanded or uncontrollable high thrust events by arming a UHT function, detecting fuel flow errors, and accommodating excess thrust through integration of actual and commanded fuel flow thresholds, and implementing a computing device with executable program instructions to analyze and respond to fuel flow errors and excess thrust impulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic detection and accommodation of UHT events is implemented, then aircraft safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors fuel flow and compares actual fuel flow against commanded fuel flow to detect discrepancies indicating UHT events. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection and accommodation of thrust anomalies, improving safety through real-time system monitoring and corrective action.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the thrust control system and safety outcomes by monitoring fuel flow parameters and automatically implementing accommodation maneuvers when UHT events are detected, thereby preventing hazardous situations without requiring direct pilot intervention.
2Reliability
If pilot response time is reduced for UHT events, then hazardous situations are prevented, but pilot workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of fuel flow errors before a UHT event can develop into a hazardous situation. By automatically detecting fuel flow discrepancies and initiating accommodation maneuvers, the system eliminates the need for pilots to make split-second decisions, thereby reducing workload while maintaining high safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust control system performs self-monitoring and self-correction by automatically detecting fuel flow errors and implementing accommodation maneuvers without pilot intervention. This autonomous operation reduces pilot workload while ensuring timely response to UHT events.
Data Source
AI summary
Herein provided are methods and systems for detecting an uncommanded or uncontrollable high thrust (UHT) event in an aircraft, comprising arming a UHT function, detecting a fuel flow error when an actual fuel flow minus a commanded fuel flow exceeds a first threshold, the fuel flow error indicative of a presence of excess thrust, detecting a UHT event based on excess thrust and as a function of a second threshold, upon detection of the fuel flow error, and accommodating the UHT event.