ACARS Hybrid Communication System Router
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ACARS communication systems face limitations in access availability and increasing communication costs due to the limitations of traditional transmission media, and upgrading to IP-based systems requires replacing existing routers or modifying routing software, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An ACARS communication system that uses a switch to dynamically route an ARINC 429 link from traditional media to an AoIP conversion gateway based on ground proximity, allowing for seamless transition between HF, SATCOM, and IP-based communication without replacing the existing router or modifying its software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ACARS systems use traditional transmission media (VHF, HF, SATCOM), then communication reliability is maintained, but access availability is limited and communication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functionality principle by enabling the ACARS system to operate with multiple transmission media simultaneously - traditional media (VHF, HF, SATCOM) and IP-based media (GPRS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max). The system can dynamically select and switch between different media types based on aircraft location, operational phase, and network availability, thereby improving access availability while maintaining communication reliability through fallback options.
2Reliability
If ACARS systems use traditional transmission media, then communication reliability is maintained, but communication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic media selection that adapts to changing operational conditions. The system automatically selects the most cost-effective transmission medium based on aircraft phase (ground vs. flight), location, and network availability. For example, it uses free or low-cost IP-based networks (GPRS, UMTS, Wi-Fi) when available on the ground, and switches to traditional media only when necessary during flight, thereby reducing communication costs while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ACARS routers are upgraded to support IP-based transmission, then access availability improves, but device complexity and certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the AoIP conversion gateway - that mediates between the existing ACARS router and IP-based networks. The gateway handles all IP protocol conversions, message encapsulation/decapsulation, and protocol adaptations, allowing the original ACARS router to remain unchanged. This approach improves access availability to IP networks without increasing router complexity or requiring router recertification.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ACARS routers are upgraded to support IP-based transmission, then access availability improves, but certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the AoIP conversion gateway as an intermediary between the certified ACARS router and IP networks, the patent avoids the need to recertify the router. The gateway operates as a separate, uncertified component that performs protocol conversion, allowing the originally certified router to maintain its certification status while gaining access to IP-based networks through the gateway interface.
5Adaptability or versatility
If traditional transmission media are used, then router compatibility is maintained, but communication costs and availability limitations persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the ACARS system by introducing variable selection of transmission media based on multiple parameters including aircraft location (ground vs. flight), operational phase, network availability, and cost considerations. This dynamic parameter-based selection enables the system to optimize between cost and availability by choosing the most appropriate medium for each specific situation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to an ACARS message communication system intended to be carried on an aircraft, said system comprising a router (310, 310') adapted to route said messages to and from a plurality of VHF, HF, SATCOM subnets. The system includes a switch (360, 365) and an AoIP conversion gateway (380), the switch being connected to an HF or SATCOM transmit/receive module (340, 350) using a first bidirectional link (341, 351), and to said AoIP gateway using a second bidirectional link (381), the switch being adapted to select said first bidirectional link when in a first switching position and the second bidirectional link when in a second switching position, the switch being in the second switching position if the aircraft is on the ground or within a predetermined distance of the ground and in the first switching position otherwise.