Interactive management device and method for managing maintenance devices for an aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interactive management device (1) for managing maintenance devices (15) for an aircraft (100) comprising: a computer unit (2) with computer program (3) and at least one interactive interface (4) configured to connect external technical participants with the computer unit (2) with computer program (3) wherein the external technical participants comprise at least one participant from a group of maintenance devices (15), in particular from a group of ground support equipment, for an aircraft (100). In addition, a method (M) for managing maintenance devices for an aircraft (100) is disclosed.

Description

[0001] Interactive management device and method for managing maintenance devices for an aircraft

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains to an interactive management device and a method for managing maintenance devices for an aircraft.

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] The operation of an airport and the operational use of aircraft involve various activities that must be carried out while the aircraft are on the ground. In particular, numerous maintenance activities on the aircraft must be organized and carried out. It is not only important to make optimal use of the limited time on the ground, but above all to coordinate the respective activities in a sensible way.

[0006] Currently, stand-alone systems are often used for individual activities, so that planning and implementing the individual activities usually requires separate effort. A comprehensive planning and implementation of all activities can therefore usually only be carried out with additional time expenditure, which in turn significantly increases the costs involved.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technical solution which supports efficient planning and execution of activities, especially maintenance activities, around an aircraft on the ground. This object is achieved by an interactive management device for managing maintenance devices having the features of claim 1 and a method for managing maintenance devices having the features of claim 12.

[0009] According to the invention, an interactive management device for managing maintenance devices for an aircraft comprises a computer unit with computer program and at least one interactive interface configured to connect external technical participants with the computer unit with computer program wherein the external technical participants comprise at least one participant from a group of maintenance devices, in particular from a group of ground support equipment, for an aircraft.

[0010] Further according to the invention, a method for managing maintenance devices for an aircraft comprises the following steps: providing and activating an interactive management device according to the invention, connecting external technical participants to the interactive management device, wherein the external technical participants comprise at least one participant from a group of maintenance devices, in particular from a group of ground support equipment, for an aircraft.

[0011] Thus, one idea of the present invention is to provide an interactive management device which serves as a centralized unit so that as many independent external technical participants as possible can be organized around the aircraft currently stationed on the ground via one and the same device. External technical participants may also include aircraft and other interactive management devices. The great advantage of the present invention is that, by means of this approach, it is now possible for the first time to plan and carry out a coordinated routine of activities around the aircraft currently stationed on the ground without having to incur the high costs that would otherwise be incurred due to the managing of the separate units.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, components of the interactive management device are stored in a mobile housing device of the interactive management device and wherein the mobile housing device comprises at least one replaceable energy storage system.

[0013] In this way, it is possible to use the device according to the invention in a mobile manner, independent of an immediate infrastructure. For example, the device according to the invention can be used directly on the ground in the immediate vicinity of the aircraft, so that the respective external technical participants can be conveniently and safely connected to the device.

[0014] An energy supply can be ensured with the replaceable energy storage system. In this context, the term "replaceable" means that the replaceable energy storage system can be temporarily separated from the mobile housing device and thus moved on its own. In this way, for example, the actual energy sources of this replaceable energy storage system can be exchanged in order to be recharged at another location. The replaceable energy storage system can also include a corresponding infrastructure of its own, so that charging processes are also conceivable when the actual energy sources remain in the mobile housing device. According to another embodiment of the invention, the mobile housing device comprises at least one solar module for charging the at least one replaceable energy storage system.

[0015] This means that longer periods of operation can be comfortably completed, particularly during longer operations on the ground in a direct vicinity of the aircraft.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, components of the interactive management device are stored in an integration set device of the interactive management device configured to be functional integrated into a larger technical device, particularly a cart device for transporting ground support equipment for the aircraft, and wherein the integration set device comprises at least one replaceable energy storage system.

[0017] In this way, it can be advantageously possible to place the interactive management device in the immediate vicinity of the external technical participants, so that a particularly simple and reliable connection between these units can be realized.

[0018] This also makes it possible to conveniently transport the interactive management device to its actual location, for example in the vicinity of the area where the aircraft is stationed on the ground, since the mobility of the inventive interactive management device can be ensured at the same time as the larger technical device is transported.

[0019] In some embodiments of the invention, components of the interactive management device are stored in a wall-mountable stationary box device of the interactive management device configured to be connected to an external power supply. A stationary placement of the interactive management device offers the advantage that a permanent power supply can be very easily realized by means of appropriately laid cables.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one interactive interface comprises connectivity means for wired or wireless connectivity options so that an interactive connection between the external technical participants with the computer unit can be realized.

[0021] Wireless connectivity options can offer the advantage that the interactive management device according to the invention can be used immediately, since the otherwise necessary cabling with the external technical participants does not have to be carried out first.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the wireless connectivity means are selected from: BLE, LoRaWAN, WLAN, 5G.

[0023] The respective options can advantageously be provided depending on a particular application scenario. It is also conceivable that several of the options mentioned are provided.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention, the computer unit with computer program is configured to connect the connected external technical participants to an external network system. The interactive management device according to the invention can thus be expanded as required with additional functions which are integrated in the external network system or are provided there. The interactive management device can also be used advantageously as a user-defined controllable connection unit between the external technical participants and the external network system.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interactive management device comprises a card system with at least one card reader and at least one computer card with a functional program that can be inserted into the at least one card reader wherein the card system is configured to activate at least one function of the interactive management device.

[0026] Such a card system with at least one card reader and at least one computer card can be intended for all authorization and authorization issues. The at least one computer card with a functional program can be designed to provide the respective radio connections of the interactive management device. In this way, the external technical participants can also be monitored with regard to their connectivity with the interactive management device.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interactive management device is configured to provide an application program of the interactive management device to external technical devices, in particular mobile devices, so that by means of this application program at least one function of the interactive management device can be controlled.

[0028] Using the application program, further information can be exchanged between the interactive management device and the external technical devices. The interactive management device can also be expanded as required with mobile devices, for example with respective touchscreen elements or the like, to carry out control and monitoring activities, resulting in a particularly user-friendly interactive management device.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interactive management device comprises positioning calculations means so that a relative distance between the interactive management device and the respective external technical participants can be determined.

[0030] In this way, the collected position data of external technical participants who are to be connected or who are already connected can be used to organize or carry out activities or the like that are to be organized.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting of the external technical participants to the interactive management device within the inventive method depends on a user-defined adjustable spatial proximity of the external technical participants to the interactive management device.

[0032] This variant of the method according to the invention can offer the advantage of letting the user ultimately decide which spatial proximity must exist for a successful connection between the interactive management device and the respective external technical participants, so that only connections relevant to the respective user scenario will be established. According to another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises further the step of: providing an application program of the interactive management device to external technical devices, in particular mobile devices, so that by means of this application program at least one function of the interactive management device can be controlled.

[0033] Using the application program, further information can be exchanged between the interactive management device and the external technical devices. The interactive management device can also be expanded as required with mobile devices, for example with respective touchscreen elements or the like, to carry out control and monitoring activities, resulting in a particularly user-friendly interactive management device.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises further the following steps: collecting information from the connected external technical participants using the interactive management device, sending the information to an external network device using the interactive management device, proceeding the information using a computer program stored on the external network device, receiving the proceeded information from the external network device using the interactive management device and providing the processed information to at least one external technical participant using the interactive management device.

[0035] A reliable and rapid coordination of the respective external technical participants with regard to different activities surrounding a parked aircraft on the ground, for example various maintenance activities, can thus be ensured, so that cost savings can be achieved by means of the method according to the invention. According to another embodiment of the invention, the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices are mobile components of the interactive management device.

[0036] Since the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices are mobile components of the interactive management device itself, it is now even easier, to plan and carry out a coordinated routine of activities around the aircraft currently stationed on the ground without having to incur the high costs that would otherwise be incurred due to the managing of the separate units. This is due, among other things, to the fact that a device that is already highly efficient and well-coordinated can now be provided without the need for further adjustments.

[0037] In this respect, an even better integrated interactive management device, which can also be referred to as a maintenance management system, can be provided, which can thus be even better suited to supporting automated workflows and streamline maintenance processes.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, each interactive interface comprises at least one mobile sensor unit coupled to the computer unit with computer program and arranged at and coupled to a respective participant from a group of maintenance devices wherein the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices are mobile components of the interactive management device.

[0039] These mobile sensor units can also be referred to as smart sensors and can be embedded in the interactive management device so that they can advantageously provide real-time data for proactive maintenance, thus reducing downtime and generally improving asset management.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, the mobile sensor unit is selected from: mobile sensor unit designed to determine and provide at least one status information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices; mobile sensor unit designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices in relation to an upcoming maintenance task of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices; mobile sensor unit designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices in relation to an upcoming calibration routine of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices; mobile sensor unit designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from a group of maintenance devices about current machine date of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices; mobile sensor unit designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices in relation to energy status of an electrical battery system of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices; mobile sensor unit designed to determine and provide at least one information about degradation of parts subject to wear of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices; mobile sensor unit designed to determine and provide at least one location information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices. Depending on the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices, a suitable mobile sensor unit can be selected so that the previously mentioned advantages can be achieved even better. More than one mobile sensor unit can be provided for each respective participant from the group of maintenance devices.

[0041] Using the respective status information, a user can, for example, get a quick overview of the respective activities of currently performed maintenance work by determining whether the status is active or not active.

[0042] Information about upcoming maintenance tasks can be used to create a better basis for planning, as the time remaining until maintenance can now be clearly determined by the respective tool (participant). It is conceivable that data and information about the maintenance itself and the extent to which it needs to be carried out can also be collected in this way, so that even better planning bases can be determined.

[0043] The information about calibration routines and all related information can also help to create better planning bases, so that very efficient action or such an approach can be favored in a beneficial way. In this context, this may also include, for example, long-term measurements and data on the load conditions of tools (participants), so that this information can be used individually or in total for planning activities. Information about calibration routines can therefore also be regarded as asset data.

[0044] The current machine data from the respective participants can also provide insights into currently performed maintenance work and thus a real-time assessment of its progress, so that parallel or subsequent activities can be better planned taking this information into account. Machine data can, for example, at least comprise power consumption, valve position, rotation speed, error messages and the like. In addition to the actual measurement data, which can also be received and evaluated globally by the participants via the interactive management device, further information can be determined and used for complex evaluation routines. Measurement information (metering) can include, for example: pressure, temperature, distance, movement, position, smoke, humidity, amperage, voltage or the like. It is also conceivable that fluid states, both of tools and of the object being serviced, could be detected using activities of the mobile sensor unit and provided as information. Filter states could also be detected accordingly and provided as information.

[0045] Based on the respective energy data from the respective participants in the form of the respective charge states of batteries or the like, upcoming charging cycles and remaining service life can be determined and used for planning purposes.

[0046] Information about wear and tear of the participants or even just parts of them can be beneficial when it comes to obtaining spare parts or replacing entire tools.

[0047] Information about respective local information can be used to more accurately estimate the relative positions of tools, allowing for the identification of necessary actions based on these findings. For example, an impending dangerous situation can be detected early and alerted to. Furthermore, respective successive local information can clarify movement sequences or similar, thus determining whether the respective participants are or have been deployed correctly and in the correct area of the aircraft being serviced. The determination of respective local information can also be referred to as geolocalization or the like and can be carried out and planned based on GPS technologies or using in-house tracking technologies. In general, track & trace technology within the meaning of the present invention can ensure precise location monitoring. It can also enable efficient routing and resource optimization across the airport (where aircraft maintenance can take place anywhere). Real-time location information can be supportive and has the potential to streamline maintenance scheduling and reduce downtime caused by lost equipment (participants) and can therefore increase operational readiness of all components of the interactive management device. In this respect, this information can be used to increase the availability and serviceability of the tools (participants). This can maximize the uptime of the interactive management device and its respective components, which can be achieved through status updates derived from the local information and generally with this track & trace application.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interactive management device is designed to deliver respective software updates to the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices.

[0049] Instead of having these processes carried out centrally, for example in a workshop or the like, the tools (participants) can be provided with current software updates during their respective use, so that continuous operation can be advantageously supported.

[0050] According to another embodiment of the invention, the computer unit with computer program is designed to maintain and provide a digital twin data set of a respective connected participant from the group of maintenance devices. The respective digital twin data set can comprise respective information so that a detailed overview of the respective tool (participants) can be provided in real-time. Provision of a digital copy of the tool (participant) can be advantageous since it can result in a paperless approach of reporting. In addition, sharing of these data can be easily performed so that all involved specialists can benefit from the actual information in real-time. Generally, the interactive management device can advantageously promote the collection of real-time data and thus reduce manual intervention and human error in operations. Monitoring of key parameters enhances safety. Compliance can be improved through centralized maintenance data storage. This can result in easier audit processes.

[0051] The digital twin data set can, for example, include calibration information or repair information for the tool. It can also document everything that has already been performed with the respective tool, which can then be used for standard maintenance reports. The availability and status of the tool (participant) can also be documented there. This form of data management further promotes efficient maintenance activities, both in planning and implementation and follow-up activities. In general, maintenance runs can be optimized if this data can be accessed at any time.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interactive management device is designed to store at least one respective participant from the group of maintenance devices in a mobile housing device of the interactive management device and is designed to collect and provide information about the presence or absence of the stored respective participant from the group of maintenance devices. For example, it is conceivable that information about the presence or absence of the stored respective participant from the group of maintenance devices is obtained using Bluetooth technology or similar. In this respect, the tool (participant) and housing can, for example, use this technology to at least deduce an absence based on bilateral communication. This can also be used to ensure, for example, that the right tool is in the right housing.

[0053] This ensures that an overview of the participating participants can always be identified and provided. This allows valuable time to be used efficiently during the respective missions and prevents lost time due to searches.

[0054] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interactive management device is designed to store and provide information collected from the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices during their deployment.

[0055] This allows for the collection, sharing and analysis of data on equipment usage (respectively participants) to be achieved in an advantageous manner and thus performance optimization can be achieved. Since data and information can be collected and provided in real time during the deployment phases, it is advantageously possible to support the respective operators in identifying opportunities in order to then optimize operations and ultimately improve efficiency.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the invention, the information collected from the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices during their deployment comprises status data of an aircraft in relation to the use of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices which is used with this aircraft. In this respect, interactions between currently performed maintenance activities and the aircraft to be maintained can be directly viewed and this information can then be used to identify and implement improvements.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interactive management device is designed to evaluate and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices in relation to a progress of a participant's respective work assignment so that a future disposal of the respective participant can be derived.

[0058] Individual maintenance work can thus be better coordinated with one another. It is also possible to determine how long a tool (participant) still needs to remain on an aircraft that is being serviced, so that subsequent operations can be planned more effectively.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention, the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices are mobile components of the interactive management device and the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices respectively comprise at least one interconnecting unit designed to connect the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices with the interactive management device.

[0060] In addition to the existing data interfaces of the respective tools (participants), even better transfer routines can be provided and utilized. This is particularly advantageous when it comes to directly implementing a fast and reliable connection routine, without the need to maintain or configure configuration processes or ad- vanced technologies for communication between the respective interfaces. The interactive management device thus has two ways to manage the respective data streams. One is via the interactive interface, which incorporates such interface management technologies, and the other is that, in these versions, data transfer is also possible via the at least one interconnecting unit. This flexibility results in a particularly reliable interactive management device.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interconnecting unit is selected from: interconnecting unit designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device; interconnecting unit designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device and provide at least one functionality to the interactive management device; interconnecting unit designed to provide at least one functionality to the interactive management device; interconnecting unit designed to replace at least partially the computer unit with computer program of the interactive management device; interconnecting unit designed to replace at least partially the computer unit with computer program of the interactive management device and designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device.

[0062] Depending on the upcoming maintenance task, a highly individualized interactive system can be created in an advantageous manner.

[0063] According to another embodiment of the invention, the interconnecting unit has at least partially a structure of a system on module. This not only facilitates the creation of relatively small interconnecting units, but also makes it possible to provide a relatively large number of functions in a very small space. According to another embodiment of the invention, the interconnecting unit has at least partially a structure of a system on module and the interconnecting unit comprises a PCB main structure designed to include the structure of the system on module or the interconnecting unit comprises an adapter PCB main structure designed to include the structure of the system on module. The previously mentioned advantages can thus be achieved even better. Different designs and configurations are conceivable depending on the application, whereby, for example, the respective dimensions of the tools (participants) can also play a role. The circumstances under which an application is intended can also influence the respective design and configuration.

[0064] The interactive management device in its respective forms can thus be regarded as a central platform hosting real-time data and tools documentation, which further offers the advantages of improving communication across multiple parties, allowing additional access to important insights, facilitating collaborative problem solving and empowering faster decision-making. The interactive management device can furthermore improve digital solutions. For example it supports innovative digital solutions, enhance data analysis, decision-making, and overall operational agility (driving smarter, data driven outcomes).

[0065] BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the schematic figures:

[0067] Fig- 1 shows a schematic view of an interactive management device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a user scenario of an interactive management device according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0068] Fig. 3 shows another schematic view of another user scenario of an interactive management device according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0069] Fig. 4 schematically depicts a flow diagram of a method for managing ground support equipment for an aircraft using the inventive interactive management device of Fig. 1.

[0070] Fig. 5 shows another schematic view of an interactive management device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0071] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a maintenance device.

[0072] In the figures of the drawing, elements, features and components which are identical, functionally identical and of identical action are denoted in each case by the same reference designations unless stated otherwise.

[0073] DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an interactive management device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The demonstrated interactive management device 1 comprises a computer unit 2 with computer program 3 and two interactive interfaces 4 configured to connect external technical participants (not shown) with the computer unit 2 with computer program 3 wherein the external technical par- ticipants comprise at least one participant from a group of ground support equipment for an aircraft. The group of ground support equipment for an aircraft can comprise, for example, all kinds of maintenance devices for aircraft.

[0075] In an embodiment variant not shown in detail, it is conceivable that only one interactive interface 4 is provided. It is also conceivable that more than two interactive interfaces 4, for example three or more, are provided.

[0076] The term "interactive" in this context means that the interactive interfaces 4 are designed to both send and receive information. In this respect, the interactive interfaces 4 can comprise, for example, antennas and receiving units or the like.

[0077] In general, the respective interactive interfaces 4 can each comprise connectivity means (not shown in detail) for wired or wireless connectivity options so that an interactive connection between the external technical participants with the computer unit 2 can be realized. This wireless connectivity means can be selected from BLE, LoRaWAN, WLAN, 5G.

[0078] In this context, it is conceivable that an interactive interface only has one of the previously mentioned options, for example only BLE. It is equally conceivable that the respective interactive interfaces 4 each comprise at least two of the aforementioned connectivity options, whereby either a variant with a user-defined switching device can be provided or an automated switching device can be provided which makes the necessary settings as required. In all of the previously mentioned variants of the interactive management device 1, it is also conceivable that the respective interactive interfaces 4 are designed to enable a connection of the interactive management device 1 to an external network system. In this respect, the interactive management device 1 thus serves as a technical unit with the aid of which respective external technical participants, for example respective ground support equipment units, can be connected to this external network system.

[0079] In this way, a large number of respective external technical participants, for example respective ground support equipment units, can be coordinated in the external network system. For example, respective activities of the external technical participants, for example respective maintenance activities on the aircraft, can be coordinated and / or monitored. The activities carried out or taken into account can also be documented, for example by saving them as a data set. The data can be stored temporarily on the device or at least partially stored directly in the system. Depending on a successful connection, this can be user-defined or at least partially automated.

[0080] In relation to the image level, a card system 5 of the interactive management device 1 is shown below the interactive interfaces 4. The card system 5 comprises three card readers 6, which are shown schematically in Fig. 1 as respective card insertion slots for computer cards (not shown) with respective functional programs of the card system 5. In other words, it can be provided that each computer card comprises an individual functional program, so that a specific inserted computer card in the card system 5 causes a specific routine or function or the like. The computer cards (not shown) with the respective functional programs of the card system 5 can, for example, be designed to authorize respective corresponding connectivity means for respective connections. It is also conceivable that the computer cards (not shown) with the respective functional programs are designed to authorize respective external technical participants to establish a connection with the interactive management device.

[0081] In other words the interactive management device 1 is shown with the card system 5 with three card readers 6. Each card reader 6 is designed to accommodate a corresponding computer card (not shown) with the respective functional program of the card system 5 wherein the card system 5 is configured to activate at least one function of the interactive management device 1.

[0082] In an embodiment variant not shown in more detail, it is also conceivable that such a card system 5 is at least partially provided or implemented as a virtual component in the computer program 3 of the interactive management device 1.

[0083] The computer cards (not shown) to be inserted into the card system 5 via the card readers 6 can be provided, for example, in an Eurocard format (160 x 100 mm) and can furthermore be provided to run a container-based software or the like. Different computer cards can be provided so that advanced functionality, like lora / BLE transmission, storage, cellular, wired connection and the like can be provided.

[0084] In other variants not shown in detail, it is also conceivable that the interactive management device 1 is configured to provide an application program of the interactive management device 1 (not shown) to external technical devices, in particular mobile devices, so that by means of this application program at least one function of the interactive management device 1 can be controlled.

[0085] In Fig. 1, the previously mentioned components, namely the computer unit 2 with computer program 3, the interactive interfaces 4 and the card system 5, are shown arranged or housed in a mobile housing device 7 of the interactive management device 1.

[0086] The mobile housing device 7 is shown in the shape of a suitcase. A carrying aid 8 in the form of a schematically illustrated handle is shown on one long side of the mobile housing device 7 with respect to the image plane. The external dimensions of the mobile housing device 7 can, for example, be designed or dimensioned such that the entire interactive management device 1 can be comfortably carried by one person alone.

[0087] Instead of the carrying aid 8 shown, alternative carrying concepts can be provided. For example, carrying strap systems similar to a backpack or the like. The mobile housing device 7 can also have a robust and thus essentially impact-resistant outer skin, which can also be weatherproof, so that the contents (components) are particularly well protected from any external influences.

[0088] The mobile housing device 7 is also shown with two replaceable energy storage systems 9 which are coupled to the previously mentioned components via a first connecting line 10. This coupling is shown schematically once as a representative example. However, it is conceivable that respective components are provided coupled with respective replaceable energy storage systems 9. For example, it is conceivable that the computer unit 2 is provided coupled with an exclusive replaceable energy storage system 9 alone, so that a particularly secure energy supply to the main component can be guaranteed.

[0089] In this respect, it is conceivable in an embodiment not shown in detail that the replaceable energy storage system 9 is configured to provide functionality according to the hot swap principles.

[0090] In this context, the hot swapping principle is understood to mean any technology that must be present so that components (for example, energy sources or the like from the energy storage system 9) can be replaced or added to a computer system or the like without stopping, shutting down or restarting the system.

[0091] The mobile housing device 7 is shown furthermore with two solar modules 11, which are shown arranged on the outside of the mobile housing device 7. The two solar modules 11 have an essentially honeycomb-shaped outer contour. Other shapes are conceivable here. It is also conceivable that the solar modules 11 are provided individually but connected to one another. It is also conceivable that the solar modules 11 cover a larger outer area of the mobile housing device 7 or are arranged there.

[0092] In each of these variants, the solar modules 11 are designed to charge the respective replaceable energy storage systems 9. This functional relationship is schematically symbolized by a second connecting line 12. In other words, the interactive management device 1 is shown with the belonging mobile housing device 7 which comprises at least one solar module 11 for charging the at least one replaceable energy storage system 9.

[0093] The interactive management device 1 can also be named as SMAP (smart maintenance access point) because it allows different ground support equipment units to connect to higher-level units (external network units). The SMAP will secure the connection between the ground support equipment 15 or other assets and provide thereby a cloud solution. It is capable of being adapted to several protocols and connection standards. In case of no connectivity the connection will only be established between the ground support equipment 15 and the SMAP. When connectivity is established, the data will be transferred.

[0094] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an user scenario of an interactive management device 1 according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0095] The interactive management device 1 (or its components, for example similar or identical to those shown in Fig. 1) is stored in an integration set device 13 of the interactive management device 1. The other components can be similar to those shown in Fig. 1, although they are not explicitly shown in Fig. 2 for reasons of clarity. This is also not a true-to-scale illustration, but merely a schematic representation for the purpose of explaining possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] This combined unit is shown right next to a parked aircraft 100. The integration set device 13 is shown arranged into a larger technical device 14, which has the form of a cart device for transporting ground support equipment for the aircraft 100. In other words, components of the interactive management device 1 are stored in the integration set device 13 of the interactive management device 1 which is configured to be functional integrated into the larger technical device 14, particularly a cart device for transporting ground support equipment for the aircraft 100. The integration set device 13 is furthermore shown with two replaceable energy storage systems 9.

[0097] The shown interactive management device 1 comprises furthermore connectivity means (not shown in detail) for connecting the interactive management device 1 with schematically shown ground support equipment 15 for the aircraft 100. This possible radio connection between the interactive management device 1 and the ground support equipment 15 is illustrated in Fig. 2 by means of radio wave symbols 16. Alternatively, a coupling can also be provided using the third connecting line 17 shown.

[0098] Fig. 3 shows another schematic view of another user scenario of an interactive management device 1 according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0099] The interactive management device 1 (or its components, for example similar or identical to those shown in Fig. 1) is stored in a wall-mountable stationary box 18 of the interactive management device 1. The wall-mountable stationary box 18 is stored in an aircraft hangar 19 and coupled to an external power supply 20 via a fourth connecting line 21.

[0100] The shown interactive management device 1 comprises furthermore connectivity means (not shown in detail) for connecting the interactive management device 1 with schematically shown ground support equipment 15 for the aircraft 100. This possible radio connection between the interactive management device 1 and the ground support equipment 15 is illustrated in Fig. 3 by means of radio wave symbols 16. Alternatively, a coupling can also be provided using the fifth connecting line 22 shown.

[0101] Fig. 4 schematically depicts a flow diagram of a method M for managing ground support equipment for an aircraft using the inventive interactive management device 1 of Fig. 1. This method M comprises under M1 providing and activating an inventive interactive management device 1 according to Fig. 1. Furthermore, the method comprises under M2 connecting external technical participants to the interactive management device 1, wherein the external technical participants comprise at least one participant from a group of ground support equipment for an aircraft.

[0102] It is conceivable that the aforementioned execution steps can also be carried out using the inventive interactive management devices 1 according to Fig. 2 or Fig. 3.

[0103] In further embodiments of the method M according to the invention, not shown in detail, further implementation steps can be provided. For example, it is conceivable that connecting of the external technical participants to the interactive management device 1 depends on a user-defined adjustable spatial proximity of the external technical participants to the interactive management device 1.

[0104] The user-defined adjustable spatial proximity can be in accordance with the vicinity of the external technical participants around a defined region in the direct neighborhood of a parked aircraft on the ground. For example, such a defined region could be located in an interval of 10 to 400 meters, preferably in an interval of 20 to 250 meters, preferably in an interval of 30 to 150 meters, circular or substantially circular around such an aircraft.

[0105] This region can be selected so that only those external technical participants can be connected who can be directly assigned to the aircraft parked on the ground for upcoming activities on the aircraft.

[0106] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, not shown in detail, it can be provided that the method comprises further the step of providing an application program of the interactive management device 1 to external technical devices, in particular mobile devices, so that by means of this application program at least one function of the interactive management device 1 can be controlled.

[0107] In yet another embodiment, the following additional steps may also be provided: collecting information from the connected external technical participants using the interactive management device 1, sending the information to an external network device using the interactive management device 1, proceeding the information using a computer program stored on the external network device, receiving the proceeded information from the external network device using the interactive management device 1 and providing the processed information to at least one external technical participant using the interactive management device 1.

[0108] In this respect, the method M according to the invention can be used to organize all activities related to a parked aircraft 100 during a stay on the ground. For this purpose, information can also be sent directly from the aircraft 100 to the interactive management device 1 or transmitted in general so that this information can be incorporated. For example, this information can already be used to prepare activities and tools so that valuable time on the ground can ultimately be saved.

[0109] If, for example, the values for the screws to be tightened are already known, a corresponding tool can be preset accordingly so that no additional time is required. In fact, these preparatory activities can be carried out while the aircraft 100 is already on the ground but has not yet come to a stop in its final parking position.

[0110] In connection with this scenario and with any other application scenarios, it is also conceivable that a connection is also possible between two interactive management devices 1.

[0111] Interactive management devices 1 can also be used simply as a type of range extender, so that interactive management devices 1 that are to be connected to one another can be linked across the runway in order to share valuable information as quickly as possible.

[0112] In this respect, some of the external technical participants may also be in the form of aircraft or their components.

[0113] Fig. 5 shows another schematic view of an interactive management device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0114] The demonstrated interactive management device 1 comprises a computer unit 2 with computer program 3 and two interactive interfaces 4 configured to connect external technical participants (not shown) with the computer unit 2 with computer program 3 wherein the external technical participants comprise at least one participant from a group of ground support equipment for an aircraft. The group of ground support equipment for an aircraft can comprise, for example, all kinds of maintenance devices for aircraft.

[0115] In this illustrated embodiment, the interactive interfaces 4 also comprise respective mobile sensor units 23, which are arranged on the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices 15 and are provided coupled thereto. The respective participants from the group of maintenance devices 15 are mobile components of the interactive management device 1. A total of four participants from the group of maintenance devices 15 are shown, each of which has a mobile sensor unit 23. In embodiments not shown in detail, more than four tools (participants) can be provided, whereby the respective number of mobile sensor units 23 can also vary. For example, two or more mobile sensor units 23 can be provided per tool (participant). In other words, the interactive management device 1 is designed to store at least one respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15 in a mobile housing device 7 of the interactive management device 1 and is designed to collect and provide information about the presence or absence of the stored respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15.

[0116] It is therefore intended that each interactive interface 4 comprises at least one mobile sensor unit 23 coupled to the computer unit 2 with computer program 3 and arranged at and coupled to a respective participant from a group of maintenance devices 15 wherein these four shown respective participants from the group of maintenance devices 15 are mobile components of the interactive management device 1. The mobile sensor units 23 can be selected from: mobile sensor unit 23 designed to determine and provide at least one status information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15; mobile sensor unit 23 designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15 in relation to an upcoming maintenance task of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15; mobile sensor unit 23 designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15 in relation to an upcoming calibration routine of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15; mobile sensor unit 23 designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from a group of maintenance devices 15 about current machine date of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15; mobile sensor unit 23 designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15 in relation to energy status of an electrical battery system of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15; mobile sensor unit 23 designed to determine and provide at least one information about degradation of parts subject to wear of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15; mobile sensor unit 23 designed to determine and provide at least one location information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15.

[0117] Furthermore, in extension of the presented embodiments of Fig. 5, it is conceivable that the interactive management device 1 is designed to deliver respective software updates to the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices 15. It is also conceivable, in extension of the presented embodiments of Fig. 5, that the computer unit 2 with computer program 3 is designed to maintain and provide a digital twin data set of a respective connected participant from the group of maintenance devices 15.

[0118] Furthermore, in extension of the presented embodiments of Fig. 5, it is conceivable that the interactive management device 1 is designed to store and provide information collected from the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices 15 during their deployment.

[0119] It is also conceivable, in extension of the presented embodiments of Fig. 5, that the information collected from the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices 15 during their deployment comprises status data of an aircraft 100 in relation to the use of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15 which is used with this aircraft 100.

[0120] Furthermore, in extension of the presented embodiments of Fig. 5, it is conceivable that the interactive management device 1 is designed to evaluate and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15 in relation to a progress of a participant's respective work assignment so that a future disposal of the respective participant can be derived.

[0121] In an embodiment variant not shown in detail, it is conceivable that only one interactive interface 4 is provided. It is also conceivable that more than two interactive interfaces 4, for example three or more, are provided. The term "interactive" in this context means that the interactive interfaces 4 are designed to both send and receive information. In this respect, the interactive interfaces 4 can comprise, for example, antennas and receiving units or the like.

[0122] In general, the respective interactive interfaces 4 can each comprise connectivity means (not shown in detail) for wired or wireless connectivity options so that an interactive connection between the external technical participants with the computer unit 2 can be realized. This wireless connectivity means can be selected from BLE, LoRaWAN, WLAN, 5G.

[0123] In this context, it is conceivable that an interactive interface only has one of the previously mentioned options, for example only BLE. It is equally conceivable that the respective interactive interfaces 4 each comprise at least two of the aforementioned connectivity options, whereby either a variant with a user-defined switching device can be provided or an automated switching device can be provided which makes the necessary settings as required.

[0124] In all of the previously mentioned variants of the interactive management device 1, it is also conceivable that the respective interactive interfaces 4 are designed to enable a connection of the interactive management device 1 to an external network system. In this respect, the interactive management device 1 thus serves as a technical unit with the aid of which respective external technical participants, for example respective ground support equipment units, can be connected to this external network system.

[0125] In this way, a large number of respective external technical participants, for example respective ground support equipment units, can be coordinated in the external network system. For example, respective activities of the external technical participants, for example respective maintenance activities on the aircraft, can be coordinated and / or monitored. The activities carried out or taken into account can also be documented, for example by saving them as a data set. The data can be stored temporarily on the device or at least partially stored directly in the system. Depending on a successful connection, this can be user-defined or at least partially automated.

[0126] In relation to the image level, a card system 5 of the interactive management device 1 is shown below the interactive interfaces 4. The card system 5 comprises three card readers 6, which are shown schematically in Fig. 1 as respective card insertion slots for computer cards (not shown) with respective functional programs of the card system 5. In other words, it can be provided that each computer card comprises an individual functional program, so that a specific inserted computer card in the card system 5 causes a specific routine or function or the like.

[0127] The computer cards (not shown) with the respective functional programs of the card system 5 can, for example, be designed to authorize respective corresponding connectivity means for respective connections. It is also conceivable that the computer cards (not shown) with the respective functional programs are designed to authorize respective external technical participants to establish a connection with the interactive management device.

[0128] In other words the interactive management device 1 is shown with the card system 5 with three card readers 6. Each card reader 6 is designed to accommodate a corresponding computer card (not shown) with the respective functional program of the card system 5 wherein the card system 5 is configured to activate at least one function of the interactive management device 1.

[0129] In an embodiment variant not shown in more detail, it is also conceivable that such a card system 5 is at least partially provided or implemented as a virtual component in the computer program 3 of the interactive management device 1.

[0130] The computer cards (not shown) to be inserted into the card system 5 via the card readers 6 can be provided, for example, in an Eurocard format (160 x 100 mm) and can furthermore be provided to run a container-based software or the like. Different computer cards can be provided so that advanced functionality, like lora / BLE transmission, storage, cellular, wired connection and the like can be provided.

[0131] In other variants not shown in detail, it is also conceivable that the interactive management device 1 is configured to provide an application program of the interactive management device 1 (not shown) to external technical devices, in particular mobile devices, so that by means of this application program at least one function of the interactive management device 1 can be controlled.

[0132] In Fig. 5, the previously mentioned components, namely the computer unit 2 with computer program 3, the interactive interfaces 4 and the card system 5, are shown arranged or housed in the mobile housing device 7 of the interactive management device 1.

[0133] The mobile housing device 7 is shown in the shape of a suitcase. A carrying aid 8 in the form of a schematically illustrated handle is shown on one long side of the mobile housing device 7 with respect to the image plane. The external dimensions of the mobile housing device 7 can, for example, be designed or dimensioned such that the entire interactive management device 1 can be comfortably carried by one person alone.

[0134] Instead of the carrying aid 8 shown, alternative carrying concepts can be provided. For example, carrying strap systems similar to a backpack or the like. The mobile housing device 7 can also have a robust and thus essentially impact-resistant outer skin, which can also be weatherproof, so that the contents (components) are particularly well protected from any external influences.

[0135] The mobile housing device 7 is also shown with two replaceable energy storage systems 9 which are coupled to the previously mentioned components via a first connecting line 10. This coupling is shown schematically once as a representative example.

[0136] However, it is conceivable that respective components are provided coupled with respective replaceable energy storage systems 9. For example, it is conceivable that the computer unit 2 is provided coupled with an exclusive replaceable energy storage system 9 alone, so that a particularly secure energy supply to the main component can be guaranteed.

[0137] In this respect, it is conceivable in an embodiment not shown in detail that the replaceable energy storage system 9 is configured to provide functionality according to the hot swap principles.

[0138] In this context, the hot swapping principle is understood to mean any technology that must be present so that components (for example, energy sources or the like from the energy storage system 9) can be replaced or added to a computer system or the like without stopping, shutting down or restarting the system.

[0139] The mobile housing device 7 is shown furthermore with two solar modules 11, which are shown arranged on the outside of the mobile housing device 7. The two solar modules 11 have an essentially honeycomb-shaped outer contour. Other shapes are conceivable here. It is also conceivable that the solar modules 11 are provided individually but connected to one another. It is also conceivable that the solar modules 11 cover a larger outer area of the mobile housing device 7 or are arranged there.

[0140] In each of these variants, the solar modules 11 are designed to charge the respective replaceable energy storage systems 9. This functional relationship is schematically symbolized by a second connecting line 12.

[0141] In other words, the interactive management device 1 is shown with the belonging mobile housing device 7 which comprises at least one solar module 11 for charging the at least one replaceable energy storage system 9.

[0142] The interactive management device 1 can also be named as SMAP (smart maintenance access point) because it allows different ground support equipment units to connect to higher-level units (external network units). The SMAP will secure the connection between the ground support equipment 15 or other assets and provide thereby a cloud solution. It is capable of being adapted to several protocols and connection standards. In case of no connectivity the connection will only be established between the ground support equipment 15 and the SMAP. When connectivity is established, the data will be transferred. The interactive management device 1 can be designed to use all received information for reporting routine activities, for example, in the form of different reports that can be provided to a user on demand in real-time or depending on an occurred event or an action performed by the user. This can be at least partially automatized and can be used, for example, to provide evidence of maintenance work or the like, so that paperless and very efficient maintenance can be carried out. The interactive management device 1 can be designed to provide the data and reports in such a way that other maintenance systems can also use them for further evaluation routines or the like.

[0143] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a maintenance device 15. This can be, in other words, a respective participants from the group of maintenance devices 15 and can be one of the mobile components of the interactive management device 1 (not shown in all details.

[0144] Of the interactive management device 1 and its interactive interfaces 4 (also not shown in detail here in Fig. 6) a mobile sensor unit 23 is shown arranged on the maintenance device 15. In other words, each interactive interface 4 comprises at least one mobile sensor unit 23 coupled to the computer unit 2 with computer program 3 and arranged at and coupled to a respective participant from a group of maintenance devices 15 wherein the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices 15 are mobile components of the interactive management device 1. It is conceivable that the maintenance device 15 is one of the components of the interactive management device 1, which is shown in Fig. 5 as a component of the interactive management device 1 arranged in the housing 7. This shown respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15 is a mobile component of the interactive management device 1 and the respective participant respectively is shown with one interconnecting unit 24 designed to connect the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices 15 with the interactive management device 1.

[0145] This interconnecting unit 24 can be selected from: interconnecting unit 24 designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device 1; interconnecting unit 24 designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device 1 and provide at least one functionality to the interactive management device 1; interconnecting unit 24 designed to provide at least one functionality to the interactive management device 1; interconnecting unit 24 designed to replace at least partially the computer unit 2 with computer program 3 of the interactive management device 1; interconnecting unit 24 designed to replace at least partially the computer unit 2 with computer program 3 of the interactive management device 1 and designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device 1.

[0146] This interconnecting unit 24 can have, for example, at least partially a structure of a system on module. In another embodiments, it is conceivable, that the interconnecting unit 24 has at least partially a structure of a system on module and the interconnecting unit 24 comprises a PCB main structure designed to include the structure of the system on module or the interconnecting unit 24 comprises an adapter PCB main structure designed to include the structure of the system on module. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0147] 1 interactive management device

[0148] 2 computer unit

[0149] 3 computer program

[0150] 4 interactive interface

[0151] 5 card system

[0152] 6 card reader

[0153] 7 mobile housing device

[0154] 8 carrying aid

[0155] 9 replaceable energy storage system

[0156] 10 first connecting line

[0157] 11 solar module

[0158] 12 second connecting line

[0159] 13 integration set device

[0160] 14 larger technical device

[0161] 15 maintenance device

[0162] 16 radio wave symbol

[0163] 17 third connecting line

[0164] 18 wall-mountable stationary box

[0165] 19 aircraft hangar

[0166] 20 external power supply

[0167] 21 fourth connecting line

[0168] 22 fifth connecting line

[0169] 23 mobile sensor unit

[0170] 24 interconnecting unit

[0171] 100 aircraft M method

[0172] M1- M2 method steps

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. Interactive management device (1) for managing maintenance devices for an aircraft (100) comprising: a computer unit (2) with computer program (3) and at least one interactive interface (4) configured to connect external technical participants with the computer unit (2) with computer program (3) wherein the external technical participants comprise at least one participant from a group of maintenance devices 15, in particular from a group of ground support equipment , for an aircraft (100).

2. Interactive management device (1) according to claim 1, wherein components of the interactive management device (1) are stored in a mobile housing device (7) of the interactive management device (1) and wherein the mobile housing device (7) comprises at least one replaceable energy storage system (9).

3. Interactive management device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the mobile housing device (7) comprises at least one solar module (11) for charging the at least one replaceable energy storage system (9).

4. Interactive management device (1) according to claim 1, wherein components of the interactive management device (1) are stored in an integration set device (13) of the interactive management device (1) configured to be functional integrated into a larger technical device (14), particularly a cart device for transporting maintenance devices (15), in particular ground support equipment , for the aircraft (100), and wherein the integration set device (13) comprises at least one replaceable energy storage system (9).

5. Interactive management device (1) according to claim 1, wherein components of the interactive management device (1) are stored in a wall-mountable stationary box device of the interactive management device (1) configured to be connected to an external power supply (20).

6. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one interactive interface (1) comprises connectivity means for wired or wireless connectivity options so that an interactive connection between the external technical participants with the computer unit (2) can be realized.

7. Interactive management device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the wireless connectivity means are selected from: BLE, LoRaWAN, WLAN, 5G.

8. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the computer unit (2) with computer program (3) is configured to connect the connected external technical participants to an external network system.

9. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the interactive management device (1) comprises a card system (5) with at least one card reader (6) and at least one computer card with a functional program that can be inserted into the at least one card reader (6) wherein the card system (5) is configured to activate at least one function of the interactive management device (1).

10. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the interactive management device (1) is configured to provide an application program of the interactive management device (1) to external technical devices, in particular mobile devices, so that by means of this application program at least one function of the interactive management device (1) can be controlled.

11. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the interactive management device (1) comprises positioning calculations means so that a relative distance between the interactive management device (1) and the respective external technical participants can be determined.

12. Method (M) for managing maintenance devices for an aircraft (100) comprising the following steps:• providing and activating (M1) an interactive management device (1) according to claims 1 to 11;• connecting (M2) external technical participants to the interactive management device (1), wherein the external technical participants comprise at least one participant from a group of maintenance devices 15, in particular from a group of ground support equipment , for an aircraft (100).

13. Method (M) according to claim 12, wherein connecting of the external technical participants to the interactive management device (1) depends on a user-defined adjustable spatial proximity of the external technical participants to the interactive management device (1).

14. Method (M) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the method comprises further the step of:• providing an application program of the interactive management device (1) to external technical devices, in particular mobile devices, so that by means of this application program at least one function of the interactive management device (1) can be controlled.

15. Method (M) according to claim 12 to 14, wherein the method comprises further the following steps:• collecting information from the connected external technical participants using the interactive management device (1);• sending the information to an external network device using the interactive management device (1);• proceeding the information using a computer program stored on the external network device;• receiving the proceeded information from the external network device using the interactive management device (1) and• providing the processed information to at least one external technical participant using the interactive management device (1).

16. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices (15) are mobile components of the interactive management device (1).

17. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11 or 16, wherein each interactive interface (4) comprises at least one mobile sensor unit (23) coupled to the computer unit (2) with computer program (3)and arranged at and coupled to a respective participant from a group of maintenance devices (15) wherein the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices (15) are mobile components of the interactive management device (1).

18. Interactive management device (1) according to claim 17, wherein the mobile sensor unit (23) is selected from: mobile sensor unit (23) designed to determine and provide at least one status information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15); mobile sensor unit (23) designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15) in relation to an upcoming maintenance task of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15); mobile sensor unit (23) designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15) in relation to an upcoming calibration routine of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15); mobile sensor unit (23) designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from a group of maintenance devices (15) about current machine date of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15); mobile sensor unit (23) designed to determine and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15) in relation to energy status of an electrical battery system of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15); mobile sensor unit (23) designed to determine and provide at least one information about degradation of parts subject to wear of the respective participantfrom the group of maintenance devices (15); mobile sensor unit (23) designed to determine and provide at least one location information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15).

19. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11 or claims 16 to 18, wherein the interactive management device (1) is designed to deliver respective software updates to the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices (15).

20. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11 or claims 16 to 19, wherein the computer unit (2) with computer program (3) is designed to maintain and provide a digital twin data set of a respective connected participant from the group of maintenance devices (15).

21. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11 or claims 16 to 20, wherein the interactive management device (1) is designed to store at least one respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15) in a mobile housing device (7) of the interactive management device (1) and is designed to collect and provide information about the presence or absence of the stored respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15).

22. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 11 or claims 16 to 21, wherein the interactive management device (1) is designed to store and provide information collected from the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices (15) during their deployment.

23. Interactive management device (1) according to claim 22, wherein the information collected from the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices (15) during their deployment comprises status data of an aircraft (100) in relation to the use of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15) which is used with this aircraft (100).

24. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 11 or claims 16 to 23, wherein the interactive management device (1) is designed to evaluate and provide information of the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15) in relation to a progress of a participant's respective work assignment so that a future disposal of the respective participant can be derived.

25. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 11 or claims 16 to 24, wherein the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices (15) are mobile components of the interactive management device (1) and the respective participants from the group of maintenance devices (15) respectively comprise at least one interconnecting unit (24) designed to connect the respective participant from the group of maintenance devices (15) with the interactive management device (1).

26. Interactive management device (1) according to claim 25, wherein the interconnecting unit (24) is selected from: interconnecting unit (24) designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device (1); interconnecting unit (24) designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device(1) and provide at least one functionality to the interactive management device (1); interconnecting unit (24) designed to provide at least one functionality to the interactive management device (1); interconnecting unit (24) designed to replace at least partially the computer unit (2) with computer program (3) of the interactive management device (1); interconnecting unit (24) designed to replace at least partially the computer unit (2) with computer program (3) of the interactive management device (1) and designed to provide bidirectional or unidirectional connectivity to the interactive management device (1).

27. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 11 or claims 16 to 26, wherein the interconnecting unit (24) has at least partially a structure of a system on module.

28. Interactive management device (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 11 or claims 16 to 27, wherein the interconnecting unit (24) has at least partially a structure of a system on module and the interconnecting unit (24) comprises a PCB main structure designed to include the structure of the system on module or the interconnecting unit (24) comprises an adapter PCB main structure designed to include the structure of the system on module.

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