US 10,395,446 B2Granted

Integrated wireless data system for avionics performance indication

AssigneeTecat Performance Systems, LLC

InventorDouglas M. Baker

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

An integrated wireless data system and method for avionic performance indication for measuring, monitoring and displaying in-use, real-world engine-out characteristics on a propeller driven aircraft for the purposes of health monitoring, performance optimization, and regulatory compliance is provided. Engine-out characteristics may be measured either at the propeller extension hub mounted between the engine and propeller, on the crankshaft flange, or on the propeller itself, and include, but are not limited to, the engine output torque, thrust, vibration, bending loads and temperature. Data may be transmitted wirelessly to a base unit located inside the cockpit and user selected parameters are updated on a display in real-time. The system may also store all collected data, for later download and analysis. The system may also have a software interface that can be used to download, view and analyze all recorded data, as well as to configure the system settings and alerts.

Claims12

Dependent claims

An integrated wireless data system for avionics performance indication used to measure operational characteristics of a propeller driven aircraft under real-world operating conditions comprising:

a remote unit mounted on a propeller system of the propeller driven aircraft and having at least one sensor for measuring the operational characteristics and a remote transceiver and an A/D converter and a microprocessor and an energy harvesting device;
said remote unit including a power storage device connected to and for providing power to said remote unit;
a base unit located inside a cockpit of the propeller driven aircraft and having a base transceiver and a microprocessor and an onboard data storage and a real-time display and connected to other aircraft systems and an aircraft electrical system of the propeller driven aircraft;
a wireless communications interface between said remote unit and said base unit, wherein real-time and bi-directional data is transmitted therebetween;
and
wherein said power storage device of said remote unit and said at least one sensor are disposed on a propeller extension between an engine and a propeller of the propeller driven aircraft 180 degrees opposite one another to balance said remote unit and said at least one sensor.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 15/586,990Filed 4 May 2017 · us provisional application
Priority: 4 May 2016
Published: US 2017/0323496 A19 Nov 2017
Granted: 27 Aug 2019
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification16 codes

G07C 5/0825
Indicating performance data, e.g. occurrence of a malfunction: using optical means
B64C 11/30
Propellers, e.g. of ducted type; Features common to propellers and rotors for rotorcraft: blade pitch-changing mechanisms
B64D 45/00
Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
B64F 5/60
Designing, manufacturing, assembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing aircraft, not otherwise provided for; Handling, transporting, testing…