Software Configurable Aircraft Audio Control Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft audio control panels (ACPs) face challenges with increasing numbers of communication channels, leading to cluttered and non-intuitive layouts, high costs, and the need for frequent redesigns and re-certification due to hardware changes.
Innovation Solution
A software-configurable ACP with a display and channel-independent hardware control elements, utilizing a processor to manage channel selection and updates, allowing for flexible customization without altering hardware, thus reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of communication channels is increased, then the communication capability is improved, but the ACP faceplate layout becomes crowded and non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling hardware control elements to serve multiple purposes through software configuration. A single physical control element can represent different channels or functions depending on software settings, allowing the system to support numerous communication channels while maintaining a compact, intuitive faceplate layout that does not become crowded as channels are added.
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication channels are added or removed, then the communication capability is improved, but the ACP faceplate layout requires re-design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the ACP faceplate configuration software-configurable rather than hardware-fixed. When communication channels are added or removed, the software can be reconfigured to map hardware control elements to the new channel configuration without requiring physical faceplate redesign, manufacturing changes, or recertification, thereby enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ACPs are customized for different aircraft platforms, then the platform-specific requirements are met, but the cost increases and re-certification may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized hardware faceplate that can be software-configured to meet different aircraft platform requirements. The same physical ACP unit can be customized for various platforms through software configuration, eliminating the need for hardware modifications, reducing customization costs, and avoiding recertification requirements while still meeting platform-specific communication channel needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Software configurable aircraft audio control panels (ACPs) and methods for configuring such ACPs are disclosed. An ACP in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein may include a display configured to provide a visual indication of a list of available voice channels and a list of navigation channels. The aircraft audio control panel may also include a plurality of channel-independent hardware control elements configured to receive a channel selection input from a user. The aircraft audio control panel may further include at least one processor in communication with the display and the plurality of channel-independent hardware control elements, the at least one processor configured to process the channel selection input and update the visual indication of the list of available voice channels and the list of navigation channels based on the channel selection input.