Aircraft Undercarriage Data Processing Unit for Braking Force Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft undercarriages face performance limitations during ground maneuvers due to varying operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies in braking and steering, and result in increased weight and reduced fuel efficiency, as they are designed to withstand spike loads conservatively.
Innovation Solution
A data processing unit calculates the total braking force and yaw moment generated by the undercarriages, predicting the maximum achievable braking force and yaw moment to optimize control commands for brake and steering actuators, allowing for efficient operation within the performance envelope and reducing undercarriage loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aircraft undercarriages are designed conservatively to withstand spike loads, then reliability is improved, but weight increases and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts braking force distribution based on real-time performance envelope calculations that consider current operating conditions (temperature, loading, brake wear, runway conditions). This allows the undercarriage to operate at optimal performance levels without requiring conservative over-design for peak spike loads, reducing weight while maintaining reliability through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the braking system by continuously calculating and adjusting the performance envelope based on multiple variables (brake temperature, tyre temperature, loading conditions, brake gain variations). This enables the system to adapt to changing conditions and operate efficiently without the weight penalty of conservative design margins.
2Strength
If aircraft undercarriages are designed conservatively to withstand spike loads, then strength is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic performance envelope calculation to adjust braking force distribution in real-time based on current undercarriage capabilities. This allows the aircraft to use lighter undercarriage components while maintaining sufficient strength through adaptive control that prevents overload conditions, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring operating conditions (temperature, loading, brake wear) and adjusting the performance envelope accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the undercarriage operates within its actual capability limits, maintaining strength requirements while reducing weight and fuel consumption through optimized force distribution.
3Productivity
If maximum braking force is applied during ground maneuvers, then braking performance is improved, but undercarriage loading increases and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes braking performance by dynamically adjusting the performance envelope parameters based on current operating conditions. Instead of applying maximum braking force uniformly, the system calculates the optimal braking force distribution that achieves the required deceleration while minimizing undercarriage loading and maximizing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by using only the necessary amount of braking force required for safe and efficient operation, rather than always applying maximum force. The performance envelope calculation determines the optimal braking level needed for current conditions, reducing energy loss while maintaining adequate braking performance.
4Productivity
If braking force distribution is not optimized, then operational simplicity is maintained, but braking efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The performance envelope calculation system serves multiple functions: it monitors operating conditions, calculates optimal braking force distribution, determines maximum available braking capacity, and provides feedback for control adjustments. This multi-functionality improves braking efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single integrated system handles multiple tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors (temperature, loading, wear indicators) to continuously adjust braking force distribution. This feedback mechanism optimizes braking efficiency by adapting to changing conditions while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture that processes sensor data and adjusts braking commands automatically.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A data processing unit for monitoring the performance of at least one undercarriage which is used for braking and/or steering an aircraft, wherein the data processing unit is configured to: receive data representative of operating characteristics of the undercarriage(s) and use that data to calculate a maximum achievable braking force and/or yaw moment to be generated by the undercarriage(s). Also a method for monitoring the performance of at least one aircraft undercarriage which is used for braking and/or steering an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of: receiving data representative of operating characteristics of the undercarriage(s); and using that data to calculate a maximum achievable braking force and/or yaw moment to be generated by the undercarriage(s).