Computer method and apparatus for aircraft mixture leaning
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A computer implemented method for optimizing fuel flow while operating an engine comprising the steps of:
- upon receiving a request for optimizing fuel flow, monitoring an increase in exhaust gas temperature in a plurality of cylinders in the engine as fuel flow is decreased;
upon detecting a first peak temperature in a first cylinder, identifying the first cylinder on a display, the display showing a graphical representation of measured exhaust gas temperature for each cylinder in the engine;
monitoring the exhaust gas temperature to detect subsequent peak temperatures, the exhaust gas temperatures being monitored dependent on fuel flow after the first cylinder has been identified; and
providing an operator with a lean state indication for optimizing fuel flow while the engine is actively providing motorized transportation, the lean state indication being provided to the operator via the display.
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Abstract
A computer implemented lean assist function monitors exhaust gas temperature in a plurality of cylinders in an engine along with fuel flow. The lean assist function automatically detects whether the pilot is leaning for best power or best economy and provides an indication to the pilot when the desired fuel mixture has been achieved based on the monitored temperatures.
34 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A computer implemented method for optimizing fuel flow while operating an engine comprising the steps of:
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upon receiving a request for optimizing fuel flow, monitoring an increase in exhaust gas temperature in a plurality of cylinders in the engine as fuel flow is decreased; upon detecting a first peak temperature in a first cylinder, identifying the first cylinder on a display, the display showing a graphical representation of measured exhaust gas temperature for each cylinder in the engine; monitoring the exhaust gas temperature to detect subsequent peak temperatures, the exhaust gas temperatures being monitored dependent on fuel flow after the first cylinder has been identified; and providing an operator with a lean state indication for optimizing fuel flow while the engine is actively providing motorized transportation, the lean state indication being provided to the operator via the display. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An engine status display system comprising:
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a computer executed lean assist routine which (a) upon receiving a request for optimizing fuel flow, monitors an increase in exhaust gas temperature in a plurality of cylinders in the engine as fuel flow is decreased, (b) upon detecting a first peak temperature in a first cylinder, identifies the first cylinder on a display and monitors the exhaust gas temperature to detect subsequent peak temperatures, the exhaust gas temperature being monitored dependent on the fuel flow provided after the first cylinder has been identified, and (c) provides an operator with a lean state indication for optimizing fuel flow while the engine is actively providing motorized transportation; and a display which shows a graphical representation of measured exhaust gas temperature for each cylinder in the engine and provides the lean state indication that an optimum fuel flow has been detected by the lean assist routine. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An apparatus for optimizing fuel flow while operating an engine comprising:
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upon receiving a request for setting the optimum fuel flow, means for monitoring an increase in exhaust gas temperature in a plurality of cylinders in the engine as fuel flow is decreased; upon detecting a first peak temperature in a first cylinder, means for identifying the first cylinder on a display, the display showing a graphical representation of measured exhaust gas temperature for each cylinder in the engine; means for monitoring the exhaust gas temperature to detect subsequent peak temperatures, the exhaust gas temperatures being monitored dependent on fuel flow after the first cylinder has been identified; and means for providing an operator with a lean state indication for optimizing fuel flow while the engine is actively providing motorized transportation, the lean state indication being provided to the operator via the display.
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20. A computer program product for optimizing fuel flow while operating an engine, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable code thereon, including program code which:
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upon receiving a request for optimizing fuel flow, monitoring an increase in exhaust gas temperature in a plurality of cylinders in the engine as fuel flow is decreased; upon detecting a first peak temperature in a first cylinder, identifying the first cylinder on a display, the display showing a graphical representation of measured exhaust gas temperature for each cylinder in the engine; monitoring the exhaust gas temperature to detect subsequent peak temperatures, the exhaust gas temperatures being monitored dependent on fuel flow after the first cylinder has been identified; and providing an operator with a lean state indication for optimizing fuel flow while the engine is actively providing motorized transportation, the lean state indication being provided to the operator via the display.
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21. A computer implemented method for optimizing fuel flow while operating a device having an engine comprising the steps of:
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upon receiving a request for optimizing fuel flow, monitoring an increase in exhaust gas temperature in a plurality of cylinders in the engine as fuel flow is decreased; upon detecting a first peak temperature in a first cylinder, identifying the first cylinder on a display, the display showing a graphical representation of measured exhaust gas temperature for each cylinder in the engine; monitoring the exhaust gas temperature to detect subsequent peak temperatures, the exhaust gas temperatures being monitored dependent on fuel flow after the first cylinder has been identified; and providing an operator of the device with a lean state indication for optimizing fuel flow while the device is actively performing its function, the lean state indication being provided to the operator via the display.
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Specification