Externally-Mounted ADS-B Device for A&P Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ADS-B systems require complex installation by avionics shops, making it difficult for A&P mechanics to meet the mandated deadline of January 1, 2020, due to their complexity and the limited number of avionics shops compared to A&P mechanics.
Innovation Solution
An externally mounted ADS-B device with a single enclosure integrating necessary electronic modules and antennae, designed to be easily installed by A&P mechanics, featuring a main enclosure body with projections for improved GNSS antenna visibility and reduced complexity, including a 1030 MHz transmitter, 1090 MHz receiver, GNSS receiver, and static pressure port for altitude calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ADS-B system is installed using traditional avionics shop methods, then system reliability is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (transmitter, receiver, antennas, enclosures) into a single integrated ADS-B unit that mounts to the aircraft exterior. This merging reduces installation complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate installations while maintaining system reliability through integrated design and testing of all components working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The externally-mounted design allows A&P mechanics to perform installations independently without requiring specialized avionics shop equipment or expertise. The unit is designed to be self-contained with all necessary components integrated, enabling mechanics to complete installations using standard aircraft maintenance procedures and tools.
2Productivity
If ADS-B system is installed by A&P mechanics, then installation time and cost are reduced, but installation capability and precision may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a self-contained external unit that separates the complex avionics integration tasks from the simpler external mounting task. This allows A&P mechanics to focus on the straightforward external installation while the integrated unit handles the complex signal processing and transmission functions that require precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The externally-mounted unit acts as an intermediary between the aircraft's internal systems and the ADS-B communication requirements. It receives minimal inputs from the aircraft (power, data) and handles all complex communications externally, reducing the precision requirements for internal aircraft modifications while maintaining high installation standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for ADS-B, then system functionality is improved, but number of antenna fins and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (transmitter, receiver, multiple antennas for different frequencies) are merged into a single externally-mounted unit. This consolidation maintains all necessary ADS-B functionalities (transmitting position/velocity data, receiving transponder data, GNSS reception) while reducing the visual and structural complexity on the aircraft exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The external unit is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: housing the transmitter, receiver, and multiple antennas; providing signal processing; and serving as the mounting interface to the aircraft. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate enclosures and mounting structures for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated, externally-mounted Automated Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) device comprising in one embodiment a 1030 MHz transmitter, a 1030 MHz antenna, a 1090 MHz receiver, a 1090 MHz antenna, a GNSS receiver, at least one GNSS antenna, a 978 MHz transmitter, and a 978 MHz antenna, wherein these components are integrated into a single enclosure, and wherein the GNSS antenna is placed at least partially into a projection extending out from the main enclosure body, such that the GNSS antenna has improved visibility to GNSS signals originating from altitudes above the current altitude of aircraft when the ADS-B device is mounted on the bottom of an aircraft.