Contactless reader of bus communication in the cabin of an aircraft and method for contactless reading

Abstract

The present invention concerns a contactless bus reader system (1) onboard an aircraft and a method for receiving data from every existing bus communication in the aircraft cabin without the need to increase the Design Assurance Level (DAL) or Safety Assurance Level (SAL) of its equipment due to the contactless reading. The existing harness of onboard buses in an aircraft does not need to be interrupted or modified.

Description

[0001] CONTACTLESS READER OF BUS COMMUNICATION IN THE CABIN OF

[0002] AN AIRCRAFT AND METHOD FOR CONTACTLESS READING

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a contactless reader of bus communication data in the cabin of an aircraft as well as to a method for contactless reading of bus communication data in the cabin of an aircraft.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] In the automotive industry it is known to establish a contactless reading from the existing CAN- bus in a vehicle, such as a car or a truck. See the following links. s-readers / cancrocodile /

[0007] The CAN bus, short for Controller Area Network bus, is a communication protocol used primarily in the automotive industry to allow various components within a vehicle to communicate with each other without a host computer. It was developed in the 1980s and has since become a standard in the automotive industry.

[0008] Cf. e.g. https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Controller_Area_Network

[0009] In the automotive industry, the CAN bus enables different electronic control units (ECUs), such as those controlling the engine, transmission, ABS (automatic braking system), airbags, and more, to exchange data and commands in real-time. This facilitates coordination and integration between these systems, allowing for efficient vehicle operation and improved safety features.

[0010] CAN bus systems typically consist of multiple nodes connected by a twisted pair of wires. Each node can both send and receive messages, allowing for bidirectional communication.

[0011] Overall, the CAN bus plays a crucial role in enabling the complex network of electronic systems in modern automotive vehicles to work together effectively. Figs. 3a to 3c and Fig. 4 show exemplary conventional contactless reading from the existing CAN-bus in a car. After having identified the proper CAN bus wires 101a - 101 d, a CAN clip 102 is placed over the CAN bus wires 101a - 101 and can be easily attached with e.g. a simple click of a crocodile (alligator) clip. The CAN clip is then able to read data running over the CAN bus wires via a dedicated interface. The crocodile clip does not damage the insulation of the CAN bus wires 101a - lOld and has no direct electrical contact with the CAN bus. Data reading occurs in a contactless way via inductive coupling. The CAN crocodile clip detects the electromagnetic field around the CAN-High and CAN-Low wires and reads the changes in the electromagnetic field caused by the changes in the currents associated with the transmission of CAN data packages on the CAN bus wires 101a - lOld.

[0012] Fig. 3a shows in a first example a perspective view of an open CAN crocodile clip with two operational CAN wires placed inside an open CAN crocodile clip

[0013] Fig. 3b shows in the first example a perspective view of the closed CAN crocodile clip of Fig. 3a with the two operational CAN wires placed inside the CAN crocodile clip.

[0014] Fig. 3c shows in a second example a perspective view of a closed CAN crocodile clip with two operational CAN wires placed inside the CAN crocodile clip for picking up data of these two operational CAN wires and a variety of operational CAN wires from which data do not have to be picked up placed outside the closed CAN crocodile clip.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the prior art CAN bus system shown in Figs. 3a to 3c and used in the automotive industry.

[0016] In Fig. 4, when data packages are transmitted along the CAN HIGH and CAN LOW data wires 2, 3, the corresponding flow of currents in the data wires are accompanied by variations in the electromagnetic field around the data wires. The variations in the electromagnetic field around the data wires then in turn induce electric currents in the meandering pickup electrodes in the closed CAN crocodil clip 102 surrounding the CAN HIGH and CAN LOW data wires 101 a, 101b. Accordingly, the pick up electrodes are inductively coupled to the CAN wires 101a, 101b and can pick up the data signals transmitted in the CAN HIGH and CAN LOW data wires. The electrical currents induced in the pickup electrodes are in turn converted into CAN bus data packet signals in a first CAN bus interface and transmitted via a CAN data bus 5 to and a second CAN bus interface to the controller 10.

[0017] The system shown in Figs. 4a and 4b thus allows picking up and transferring data packets transmitted in the CAN HIGH and CAN LOW wires 2, 3 (101a, 101b) in the harness of the automobile to a controller 10 without direct wire-to-wire connections, ensuring non-intrusive access to CAN bus systems installed in the automotive vehicle.

[0018] PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRIOR ART

[0019] In contrast to the automotive industry, in the aviation industry in the existing communication interfaces or bus systems (e.g. ARINC 812 in A350 or SafCan between Seat and Passenger Control Unit (PCU)) that are used are used in aircraft for operations during flight, currently the data generated in cabins of aircraft is not collected or stored to post process the data. With the future loT Edge Controller technology this capability will be established but faces high safety and security standards due to its interdependencies with the connected interfaces. Furthermore, in the cabins of aircraft retrofitting is an additional challenge since the conventional standards are not designed to have any third party device connected to existing networks.

[0020] TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the aviation industry there is therefore a need to provide contactless interfacing with all current bus communication systems in a cabin of an aircraft, so that data in the current bus communication systems in aircraft can be received (or data representing instructions can be fed into the bus communication systems aboard the aircraft) without requiring an increase in the equipment's DAL or SAL levels.

[0022] Moreover, there is a need to seamlessly integrate with the existing wiring systems on an aircraft, eliminating the need for any interruptions or modifications to the harness. In the context of a CAN bus system in an aircraft, the term “harness” refers to a wiring harness or cable harness. This harness is a collection of wires or cables bundled together, often with connectors at each end, that is used to transmit data and power between different components of the CAN bus system. On board of an aircraft, this can include connections between avionics systems, sensors, control units, and other electronic components that communicate via the CAN bus protocol. The harness plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and efficient communication and power distribution throughout the aircraft's systems.

[0023] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a possibility for interfacing with the existing wiring systems onboard an aircraft without requiring any changes to the wiring systems.

[0024] SOLUTION

[0025] The above objective is achieved by a contactless reader system for bus communication in a cabin of an aircraft according to independent claim 1 and a method for contactless reading of bus communication in an onboard bus system preinstalled in a cabin of an aircraft according to independent claim 8. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0026] The invention thus provides a contactless reader system for bus communication in a cabin of an aircraft, especially a cabin of a commercial or military aircraft, said contactless reader system being configured to inductively couple sensors to wires of an existing bus system onboard the aircraft, and wherein in a state of inductive coupling between the sensors and the CAN wires unidirectional data exchange between sensors and wires can occur without mechanical contact.

[0027] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a use case of reading data from ARINC 812 comm in the cabin of an aircraft, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a use case of reading data from Seats comm in the cabin of an aircraft, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention

[0030] Fig. 3a to 3c show exemplary conventional contactless reading from an existing prior art CAN-bus in an automotive vehicle for a first and second use example. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of existing prior art CAN-bus systems as shown in Figs. 3a to 3c in an automotive vehicle.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a use case of reading data from ARINC 812 comm by a contactless reader system 1 for bus communication in a cabin of an aircraft.

[0033] In this embodiment, the loT Edge Controller 9 is working by detecting the energy within the electrical network by using coil electrodes aligned with the wires 2, 3 transporting the data signals, which is transformed in a reconditioned signal and isolated over an output bus interface 5. The bus 5 is electromagnetically coupled to the operational can bus 2, 3 but not directly physically connected to the operational can bus 2, 3.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a use case of reading data from the SEATS PCU comm by a contactless reader system for bus communication in a cabin of an aircraft.

[0035] The present invention is able to read signals from a bus system onboard an aircraft in a contactless manner without making a physical wire to wire connection. This technology guarantees that no intrusive signals are send to the cabin bus systems. This eliminates liability matters, warranty issues or possible wrong connections.

[0036] The invention opens the possibility of tackling every existing bus communication in the cabin of an aircraft to be able to receive data from it without the need to increase the DAL or SAL of its equipment due to the contactless reading. Additionally the harness does not need to be interrupted or modified.

[0037] It is particularly advantageous, if the pickup electrodes are coil electrodes. In such a an electrode, a coil is a component which can take a magnetic field and transform it to voltage In this invention the bus system creates with both wires independently a magnetic field where each field is transformed from a coil back to a voltage without contact to the wires. In particular, a contactless reader system for bus communication in a cabin of an aircraft, especially a cabin of a commercial or military aircraft, comprises a detection module configured to detect energy within an electrical network using pickup electrodes configured to be aligned with wires of an existing network bus onboard the aircraft, said wires in the bus transporting data signals, a transformation module configured to transform detected energy flow in the pickup electrodes into a reconditioned signal reflecting the data signal flow in the bus wires, and a processing module configured to process the reconditioned signal over an output bus interface.

[0038] The benefits of the present invention are manifold.

[0039] Firstly, the present invention provides a solution where there is no direct mechanical bus connection needed, overcoming connectivity challenges that may have previously hindered data access. Moreover, it ensures that there is no increase in SAL safety assurance level or DAL design assurance level due to the connected network, as it relies on 100% non-intrusive technology. This not only promotes safety but also eliminates concerns about electromagnetic interference.

[0040] One of the key advantages lies in the safe and reliable reading of bus data on the CAN bus. Through this method, there is no need for soldering, wire cutting, or crimping, preserving the integrity of the wiring system (i.e. the “harness”). Additionally, the isolation of wires remains intact, further enhancing the security and stability of the installation process. This not only saves time but also mitigates the risk of potential damage to the wiring infrastructure.

[0041] Quick installation is another notable benefit afforded by this technology. By eliminating the need for physical wire-to-wire connections, the installation process is streamlined, reducing downtime and labor costs. This efficiency is particularly advantageous in situations where rapid deployment is required, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

[0042] The versatility of contactless read-only bus communication opens up a wide array of use cases. It enables the retrieval of status information and fault data from various cabin components such as galleys, lavatories, inserts, and seats. This data is crucial for predictive health monitoring, allowing for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. Furthermore, it facilitates the monitoring of water and waste status, as well as the collection of statistical data for analysis and optimization purposes.

[0043] In summary, the invention revolutionizes bus communication onboard an aircraft by offering a non-intrusive, reliable, and efficient solution. By providing seamless access to critical data without compromising safety or integrity, it empowers industries to enhance operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and optimize resource utilization.

[0044] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0045] The present invention can be used in any area of commercial or military aircraft where equipment and / or devices can be activated by passengers and / or crew members.

[0046] This invention can be applied to commercial aircrafts. Since no higher- level systems and hardware / wiring is required, this invention is also intended for the retrofit market. Retrofit marketing refers to the practice of marketing products or services that can enhance or upgrade existing systems, equipment, or infrastructure. Instead of selling entirely new systems or solutions, retrofit marketing focuses on offering add-on or improvement options to existing customers or users.

[0047] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0048] 1 contactless reader system 2 CAN HIGH

[0049] 3 CAN LOW

[0050] 4 ARINC 812 GNC

[0051] 5 CAN interface

[0052] 6 ARINC 812 GAINS (oven, water, heater, coffee maker) 7 SEATS ECU

[0053] 8 SEATS PCU

[0054] 9 IOT Edge Controller

[0055] 10 (automotive) controller 101a - lOld automotive CAN bus wires

[0056] 102 automotive CAN clip

[0057] LIST OF REFERENCE ABBREVIATIONS

[0058] ABS automatic braking system ARINC Aeronautical Radio Incorporated

[0059] CAN controller area network

[0060] DAL design assurance level

[0061] ECU electronic control units

[0062] PCU passenger control unit SAL safety assurance level

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 27 March 2025 (27.03.2025)1. A contactless reader system (1 ) configured to be used in bus communication in a cabin of an aircraft, especially a cabin of a commercial or military aircraft, said contactless reader system (1 ) being configured to inductively couple sensors to wires (2, 3) of an existing bus system onboard the aircraft, and wherein in a state of inductive coupling between the sensors and the wires (2, 3) unidirectional data exchange between sensors, characterized in that said contactless reader system (1 ) comprises: a detection module configured to detect energy within an electrical network using pickup electrodes configured to be aligned with wires (2, 3) of the existing bus system onboard the aircraft, said wires (2, 3) in the bus transporting data signals, a transformation module configured to transform detected energy flow in the pickup electrodes into a reconditioned signal reflecting the data signal flow in the bus wires (2, 3), and a processing module configured to process the reconditioned signal over an output bus interface.

2. The contactless reader system (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein the detection module is configured to operate without physical wire-to-wire connections, ensuring non-intrusive access to the existing bus system onboard the aircraft.

3. The contactless reader system (1 ) of claim 1 , further comprising a data reception module configured to receive data from existing bus communication in thecabin without increasing the Design Assurance Level (DAL) or Safety Assurance Level (SAL) of its equipment.

4. The contactless reader system (1 ) of claim 1 , which is configured to ensure that no intrusive signals are sent to the bus system onboard the aircraft.

5. The contactless reader system (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein connection of the system with pre-existing bus wiring in the cabin of the aircraft does not include soldering, wire cutting, or crimping.

6. The contactless reader system (1 ) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the pickup electrodes are coil electrodes.

7. A method for contactless reading of bus communication in existing bus systems onboard an aircraft, using the contactless reader system according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising: detecting energy within an electrical network using pick-up electrodes to be aligned with the wires (2, 3) of said bus system onboard an aircraft which and which transports data signals, transforming detected energy into a reconditioned signal corresponding to the data flow in the wiring onboard the aircraft, and isolating the reconditioned signal over an output interface to the bus system onboard an aircraft.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving data from existing bus communication in the aircraft cabin without increasing the Design Assurance Level (DAL) or Safety Assurance Level (SAL) of its equipment.

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