Electronic engine controller

• US 20030056494A1
• Filed: 09/19/2002
• Published: 03/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Original Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Inventors: Coleman, David
• Application Number:
  US10/247,413
• Publication Number:
  US 20030056494A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 60/239
• CPC Class Codes: F01D 25/26 Double casings; Measures against temperature strain in casings
• CPC Class Codes: F02C 9/28 Regulating systems responsive to plant or ambient parameters, e.g. temperature, pressure, rotor speed F02C9/30 - F02C9/38, F02C9/44 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F02C 9/46 Emergency fuel control
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2400/11 After-sales modification devices designed to be used to modify an engine afterwards
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2400/18 Packaging of the electronic circuit in a casing
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/042 for stopping the engine
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/3005 Details not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2270/02 to control rotational speed (n)
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2270/09 to cope with emergencies
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0065 wherein modules are associated together, e.g. electromechanical assemblies, modular structures
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/60 Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft

Abstract

A controller is provided in which an independent protection controller is provided in a casing, which casing is disposed within the casing for the main controller, such that the protection controller is provided as a box within a box. This allows the casing for the main controller to provide extra protection to the protection controller against mechanical stress and damage.

Claims

1. An electronic engine controller for controlling an engine, the controller comprising a controller housed within a first casing, and an independent protection device housed within a second casing, the second casing being enclosed by the first casing.

2. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 1, in which the engine controller is a controller for a gas turbine engine and the independent protection device is provided to limit engine speed.

5. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 1, in which the independent protection device comprises at least two channels independently processing data, and two channels have to be in agreement to alter the engine speed or fuelling before such a modification to engine operation is implemented.

6. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 1, in which the first casing provides support and protection for the second casing.

7. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 6, in which the walls of the second casing are thinner than the walls of the first casing.

8. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 1, in which the independent protection device receives and/or sends data via connectors which are independent of the controller.

9. An engine controller as claimed in claim 1, in which the independent protection device has two channels therein, and in the event of failure of one channel the other channel assumes responsibility for thrust malfunction protection.

10. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 1, in which the first casing defines a recess into which the second casing can be inserted and removed.

11. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 10, in which a cover is provided to shield the second casing from a environment surrounding the first casing.

12. An engine including an electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 1.

13. An engine as claimed in claim 12, in which each channel of the independent protection device receives power from a respective winding of an aircraft electrical generator.

14. An engine as claimed in claim 13, in which the generator is a permanent magnet generator.

3. An electronic engine controller as claimed in clam 1, in which the independent protection device has a power supply which is independent of a power supply to the controller.

4. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 3, in which the independent protection device receives control data independently from the controller.

15. An electronic engine controller comprising a primary controller for providing primary control of an engine, the primary controller being housed within a first casing;

and a secondary controller for providing protection against control malfunctions of the primary controller, the secondary controller located within a second casing which is enclosed by the first casing.

16. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 15, in which the secondary controller has power and data connections independent to those of the primary controller.

17. An electronic engine controller as claimed in claim 15, in which the secondary controller is a protection device for limiting engine speed.