Wireless Aircraft Engine Emission Monitoring With Threshold Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft engine monitoring systems face challenges in efficiently monitoring and managing environmental emissions, which contribute to air pollution, and require redundant wiring that increases weight and potential failure points, while also failing to provide real-time data processing and adaptive maintenance scheduling.

Innovation Solution

A wireless engine monitoring system (WEMS) with integrated wireless sensors and a processor that collects and processes engine data, generates alarm reports for exceeding emission thresholds, and determines maintenance schedules using Bayesian networks, while communicating with a ground-based receiver for further analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If wireless sensors and transceivers are used for engine monitoring, then device complexity is reduced and weight is decreased, but measurement precision and data reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidemission data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Wireless sensors transmit engine parameter data and emission data via radio frequency signals to the processor, eliminating the need for physical wire connections while maintaining data acquisition capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless transceiver serves multiple functions: it transmits engine operating parameters, emission data, and alarm signals bidirectionally between sensors/processor and the ground-based receiver, replacing multiple dedicated wiring systems with a single multi-functional wireless communication interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If real-time monitoring and processing of emission data is implemented, then environmental compliance is improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental emissionsVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The processor continuously compares emission data against predetermined threshold values in real-time, generating alarm signals before excessive emissions occur. This preliminary detection and warning system enables preventive action to maintain environmental compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automated monitoring, data processing, and alarm generation without requiring continuous human intervention. The processor autonomously analyzes emission data and triggers alerts when thresholds are exceeded, reducing the need for external energy-intensive monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If deterministic communication protocols are used for wireless data transmission, then reliability is improved, but adaptability and real-time responsiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidreal-time adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements bidirectional communication where the processor receives emission data from sensors and sends alarm signals to the ground-based receiver in real-time. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing engine conditions and emission levels dynamically while maintaining reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication system operates dynamically, adjusting data transmission and processing based on real-time engine operating conditions. The processor can generate alarm signals immediately when emission thresholds are exceeded, providing real-time adaptability without relying on fixed deterministic schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3901922B1Wireless engine monitoring system for environmental emission control
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 HARRIS CORP
  • EP3901922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3901922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3901922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless engine monitoring system for an aircraft engine includes a housing and wireless transceiver that receives engine data, including engine data relating to environmental engine emissions. A processor processes the engine data and generates an alarm report when the environmental engine emissions exceed a threshold for a specific airport or jurisdiction.