Dynamic Trigger Thresholds for Aircraft Data Link Cost Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital datalink systems for aircraft communication, such as ACARS, lack dynamic adjustment of trigger threshold variables for data message transmission, leading to inefficient use of communication assets and increased costs due to static threshold values not aligned with current aircraft environments and airline costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that remotely sets the value of trigger threshold variables onboard an aircraft based on dynamic flight conditions, business considerations, and user preferences, allowing for real-time adjustment of communication frequency and mode to optimize communication costs and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static trigger threshold values are used for data message transmission, then system simplicity is maintained, but communication costs increase and communication assets are used inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of trigger threshold values based on flight conditions, communication mode, and phase of flight. The system transitions from static thresholds to dynamic thresholds that adapt in real-time, allowing optimization of communication frequency and mode selection to reduce costs while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter values of trigger thresholds dynamically during flight operations. Different threshold values are applied based on communication mode (VHF, HF, SATCOM), phase of flight, and business considerations, enabling cost optimization without increasing system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If arbitrary fixed trigger threshold values are set prior to departure, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but communication efficiency decreases and unnecessary transmissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
Default trigger threshold values are pre-configured for various flight conditions and communication modes. These preliminary configurations enable rapid deployment without complex setup, while the system automatically selects appropriate values during operations to maintain both simplicity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors flight conditions, communication mode, and phase of flight, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust trigger threshold values. This closed-loop control maintains communication efficiency without requiring manual reconfiguration, preserving ease of operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If trigger threshold values are not dynamically adjusted, then processing resource usage is reduced, but communication asset utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flight management computer automatically adjusts trigger threshold values based on its own operational data, including phase of flight, communication mode, and flight conditions. This self-service approach enables adaptive communication optimization without requiring external intervention or complex processing resources.
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Systems and methods for remotely setting a value for a trigger threshold variable used by a processor unit onboard an aircraft to determine if and when a data message should be transmitted from the aircraft. The method comprises the following steps performed by a computer: (a) obtaining data representing a flight plan or flight trajectory of the aircraft and flight information; (b) obtaining data representing business considerations; (c) computing a value of the trigger threshold variable as a function of at least the flight plan or flight trajectory data and the business considerations data; and (d) constructing a trigger threshold data message containing the computed value of the trigger threshold variable.