Aircraft Communication Control Device Dynamic Channel Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing control devices for aircraft communication systems have a high number of buttons, leading to increased weight, cost, and footprint, making them cumbersome and inefficient, especially when new communication channels need to be added.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a processing unit and display screen that configures associations between fewer sets of buttons and multiple communication channels, allowing for easy management of multiple channels without frequent reconfigurations, and enabling software updates to accommodate new channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional ACP device includes separate buttons for each communication channel, then each channel can be controlled independently, but the device footprint, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling each button set to control multiple communication channels through software configuration. Instead of dedicating one button set per channel, a single button set can be dynamically assigned to different channels based on operational needs, allowing one physical component to serve multiple purposes across different time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the association between button sets and communication channels reconfigurable rather than fixed. The processing unit allows dynamic reassignment of channels to button sets based on operational context, enabling the system to adapt its control mapping in real-time without physical reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional ACP device includes separate buttons for each communication channel, then each channel can be controlled independently, but the device footprint and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling each button set to control multiple communication channels through software configuration. Instead of dedicating one button set per channel, a single button set can be dynamically assigned to different channels based on operational needs, allowing one physical component to serve multiple purposes across different time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the association between button sets and communication channels reconfigurable rather than fixed. The processing unit allows dynamic reassignment of channels to button sets based on operational context, enabling the system to adapt its control mapping in real-time without physical reconfiguration.
3Weight of stationary object
If the number of buttons is reduced, then device weight and footprint are reduced, but the ability to manage multiple channels may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of dedicated physical buttons with a software-based configuration system. The processing unit stores and manages the associations between button sets and communication channels, allowing virtual reconfiguration without additional mechanical components. This substitution enables flexible channel management with fewer physical buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the logical association parameters between buttons and channels rather than changing the physical button configuration. The processing unit alters the mapping parameters dynamically, allowing the same physical button to represent different channels at different times based on operational requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If new communication channels are added to the system, then the communication system becomes more versatile, but conventional devices require hardware modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of dedicated physical buttons with a software-based configuration system. The processing unit stores and manages the associations between button sets and communication channels, allowing virtual reconfiguration without additional mechanical components. This substitution enables flexible channel management with fewer physical buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling each button set to control multiple communication channels through software configuration. Instead of dedicating one button set per channel, a single button set can be dynamically assigned to different channels based on operational needs, allowing one physical component to serve multiple purposes across different time periods.
Data Source
AI summary
The control device of a communication system of an aircraft having a predefined number of communication channels comprises a processing unit and sets of buttons each associated with a communication channel and comprising a button for setting sound volume, a reception button and a transmission button. The number of sets of buttons is at least equal to two and less than the predefined number of communication channels of the communication system. The device comprises display areas on a display screen, a display area being associated with each set of buttons and provided to display at least the name of the communication channel associated with the set of buttons. The processing unit is configured to configure the association between each of the sets of buttons and the communication channel associated with this set of buttons according to actions of a user on at least one interactive element of the device.