Wireless Engine Data Logging for Ground-Based Predictive Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently transferring and analyzing engine data from aerial vehicles to ground systems, leading to difficulties in monitoring engine health and predictive maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication unit is integrated with electronic engine controllers to record and transmit engine data, including sensor measurements, to a ground system via wireless networks, using interfaces like TIA-485 and ARINC 664, enabling predictive modeling for maintenance and diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is stored on the EEC, then data recording capability is improved, but data accessibility to ground systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication unit is introduced as an intermediary device that receives data from the EEC and transmits it to ground systems. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling data accessibility without compromising the EEC's data recording capability, as the WCU handles the communication burden separately.
2Device complexity
If manual data retrieval is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication unit enables automated data transfer where the system serves itself by automatically transmitting engine data to ground systems without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism significantly improves productivity while maintaining acceptable system complexity through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual data retrieval operations are replaced with automated wireless electronic communication. This substitution eliminates the need for physical data transfer methods while improving efficiency, utilizing electromagnetic communication to replace mechanical/manual processes.
3Reliability
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then diagnostic capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous real-time transmission, the system implements periodic data transmission at predetermined intervals or based on trigger conditions. This periodic action maintains diagnostic capability by providing regular data updates while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Data is buffered and prepared in advance before transmission, allowing the system to transmit multiple data points in scheduled batches rather than continuously. This preliminary preparation enables efficient periodic transmission that maintains diagnostic reliability while minimizing energy usage during actual communication events.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for recording and communicating engine data are provided. One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for monitoring performance. The method includes receiving, by one or more computing devices, a measurement from a sensor. The method includes assigning, by the one or more computing devices, a time to the measurement. The method includes storing, by the one or more computing devices, the received measurement and the assigned time to a file. The method includes transmitting, by the one or more computing devices, the file to a remove computing device associated with a ground system.