Aircraft Communication Gateway Dynamic Link Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for exchanging flight data between aircraft and airline operation centers are costly and time-consuming, especially during aircraft turnaround, due to limitations in data transmission speed and range, and require manual handling by trained personnel.
Innovation Solution
A communication gateway system that utilizes a combination of wireless, optical, and wired links, including Aeronautical Radio, SITA, AeroMACS, and commercial telecom services, with a self-configuring gateway that dynamically selects the best communication channels based on availability, speed, and cost to ensure efficient data transfer between aircraft and airline/airport servers during ground operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground-based ACARS stations and communication satellites are used for data transmission, then data can be exchanged between aircraft and airline operation centers, but the cost becomes prohibitive and transmission speed becomes slow when large amounts of data are exchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process by dividing it into multiple communication phases: pre-flight data upload, in-flight satellite communication, and post-flight data download. This segmentation allows optimization of each phase using appropriate communication methods, improving overall transmission speed and reducing costs for large data volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ground station system that acts as a mediator between aircraft and airline operation centers. This ground-based infrastructure provides high-speed data transfer capabilities during aircraft ground operations, eliminating the need to use expensive and slow satellite communication for all data exchanges.
2Productivity
If terminal wireless local area network (TWLU) based on IEEE 802.11b/g is used at airports, then data transfer speed improves, but the range is limited near the airport gate and complete data exchange may not be achieved within aircraft gate turnaround time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication technologies into a unified system: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g) for high-speed short-range communication near gates, cellular networks for medium-range coverage, and satellite communication for long-range connectivity. This combination ensures complete data exchange can occur within gate turnaround time regardless of aircraft location on the airport grounds.
3Reliability
If crewmembers hand-carry laptops or magnetic media to exchange data manually, then data can be transferred between aircraft and ground stations, but the process becomes slow and expensive due to need for trained personnel travel and equipment handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of crewmembers physically transporting data media with automated electronic communication systems. Data is transmitted automatically through ground-based wireless infrastructure and satellite networks, eliminating the need for personnel travel, equipment connection/disconnection, and manual data transfer operations.
4Productivity
If automated communication systems are implemented to eliminate manual data handling, then data exchange speed improves and costs reduce, but system complexity increases requiring multiple communication protocols and infrastructure integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication system that can operate across multiple networks and protocols. The aircraft communication equipment is designed to automatically select and adapt to available communication infrastructure (Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite) based on location and requirements, simplifying operation despite the complexity of supporting multiple communication methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method includes a core network located on an aircraft and a gateway included with the core network. The gateway connects with at least two of a wireless link, an optical link, a wired link and a crew wireless link. The gateway is configured to switch between the wireless link, the optical link, the wired link and the crew wireless link to transfer data from the core network to a telecom service provider network, an airport service provider network and an airport infrastructure network based on availability of connectivity service and data transfer conditions.