Aircraft Digital Control Module Virtual Linking for Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flight control systems in aircraft rely on redundant hardware to enhance reliability, which increases costs, weight, and reduces Mean-time-between-failures (MTBF), and fail to maintain safety when only one Digital Control Module (DCM) is operational.

Innovation Solution

A system with a first and second Digital Control Module connected via physical and virtual connections, allowing Actuator Control Modules to receive data from both, and using voting mechanisms to determine actuator modes, enabling the system to function with multiple failed control modules by basing control commands on a larger set of data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If backup systems are introduced to main systems, then reliability is improved, but costs increase, weight increases, and volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing DCMs multi-functional by enabling them to control actuators through virtual connections in addition to their primary function. Each DCM can serve as a backup for another DCM's actuator, eliminating the need for dedicated backup hardware while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of control paths by establishing virtual connections between DCMs. Instead of physical backup hardware, the system uses software-based virtual connections to replicate control functionality, reducing hardware weight while maintaining redundancy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If backup systems are introduced to main systems, then reliability is improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables existing DCMs to perform multiple functions including primary control, backup control, and cross-channel control through virtual connections. This eliminates the need for additional backup hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the backup control functionality into the existing DCMs rather than adding separate backup systems. The virtual connection mechanism allows multiple control paths to be combined within the same hardware, reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If backup systems are introduced to main systems, then reliability is improved, but Mean-time-between-failures decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidMean-time-between-failures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic failover capability where the system can adaptively switch control paths based on real-time DCM operational status. The virtual connections allow flexible reconfiguration of control paths, enabling the system to maintain MTBF by dynamically utilizing available DCMs even when some have failed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors DCM operational status and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust control paths through virtual connections. When a DCM fails, the feedback mechanism enables automatic rerouting of control signals through alternative virtual paths, maintaining system reliability and MTBF

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If only one Digital Control Module is operational, then hardware is reduced, but safety requirements cannot be upheld

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol module quantityVSAvoidsafety requirement compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables each operational DCM to control multiple actuators through virtual connections, allowing a single DCM to effectively perform the control functions of multiple failed DCMs. This maintains safety requirements by ensuring all actuators remain controllable even with minimal operational hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows an operational DCM to take over control of actuators from failed DCMs through virtual connections, enabling the remaining hardware to serve multiple functions and maintain safety compliance without requiring additional backup systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8606460B2Method, an electrical system, a digital control module, and an actuator control module in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2013.12.10 SAAB AB

AI summary

A method, control module and system of a vehicle including at least a first and a second control computer each containing a number of local Digital Control Modules and at least one Actuator Control Module wherein the Actuator Control Module of each control computer is operatively connected to all local Digital Control Modules of the same control computer, wherein the Actuator Control Module of each control computer is further operatively connected to all Digital Control Modules of the electrical system in a manner that enables each Actuator Control Module of the system to receive internal data of each Digital Control Module of the electrical system.