Robust Fault Management Tool Suite to Investigate, Develop, and Support FM Approaches and Solutions

In Phase, Ridgetop Group, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, shall complete the design and development of a rapid prototype implementation of a Robust Fault Management (FM) tool suite comprising a system of frameworks that enable NASA to investigate, develop, and support the Verification and Validation (V&V) of FM approaches and solutions. The tool suite fills a critical gap in fault classification and management and addresses the following NASA FM needs: 1. Fault management operations and approaches to realize greater system autonomy; FM "in-the-loop," including algorithms, computing, and state estimation and/or classification; and fault detection and diagnosis, prognosis, fault recovery, and mitigation of faults; 2. Fault management design and implementation tools: formalize and optimize onboard FM using model-based system engineering (MBSE) using improved modeling and approaches; and model and define complex systems of systems of data nodes exhibiting faults, failures, FM-related events, and changes in status of complex systems. Significant Phase I activities include completing the rapid prototyping of the following frameworks: (1) System Definition; (2) Input Definition; (3) Output Data, (4) Build System, (5) Load System, (6) Run System. Phase I shall also include the following: (1) prototype demonstration, (2) interim & final proposal for Phase II and III, (3) interim and final Phase I report(s), and (3) any other deliverables per the contract. Significant functionality includes the following: (1) support distributed data; (2) FM-related events and activities such online/offline; active/standby; maintenance schedule, begin, complete; (3) multiple types of data (existing/historical, simulated, near-real time)from existing files, simulated data, and simulated data: and (4) FM alerts and actions.
Benefits: A configurable, customizable tool suite for detecting, diagnosing, and prognosing faults by processing Condition-Based Data with Fault Management in-the-loop. The tool suite is compliant with the IEEE 1856-2017 Standard Framework for Prognostics and Health Management of Electronic Systems, and shall support the following NASA applications: 1) FM operations in near-real time; 2) FM investigation, evaluation, and V&V; 3) demonstration of FM solutions; 4) ground, air, and space vehicles and systems. Ridgetop Group's Robust Fault Management (FM) technology presents several potential non-NASA commercialization opportunities across various industries. Some example applications may include the following: 1. Aerospace and Defense: • Offer the fault management tool suite to commercial aerospace companies for enhancing the autonomy and reliability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other autonomous systems. 2. Energy Sector: • Collaborate with energy companies to enhance fault management in power distribution systems, minimizing downtime and optimizing the performance of smart grids. • Provide tools for fault detection and prognosis in renewable energy installations, improving overall system reliability. 3. Manufacturing and Industrial Automation: • Implement the fault management tool suite in manufacturing processes and industrial automation systems to ensure continuous operation and quick recovery from faults. • Address the needs of complex systems in manufacturing, optimizing production efficiency through fault diagnosis and mitigation. 4. Automotive Industry: • Partner with automotive manufacturers to integrate fault management tools into vehicle systems, ensuring the reliability and safety of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. • Provide solutions for fault detection and recovery in automotive electronics, contributing to the overall robustness of vehicle systems. 5. Critical Infrastructure: • Extend the application of the fault management tool suite to critical infrastructure sectors such as water supply, transportation, and emergency services. • Provide solutions for fault detection and recovery in systems that are essential for public safety and well-being. 6. Research and Development: • License the technology to research institutions and laboratories for further development and customization in specific applications. • Explore partnerships with R&D organizations to adapt the fault management tool suite for emerging technologies and industries.