Aircraft Gateway Wireless SIM and eSIM Profile Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of changing aircraft interface device (AID) profiles requires physical access and replacement of SIM cards, which is time-consuming and difficult due to the inaccessibility of the AID from the cabin or cockpit.

Innovation Solution

A configuration system using a configuration manager to identify and create user modifiable software parts for the AID, allowing wireless configuration and reconfiguration of communications gateways without physical access, utilizing a computer system and configuration manager to manage communications networks and send user modifiable software parts to aircraft networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical SIM cards are used for aircraft interface device profile management, then profile changes can be made, but physical access to the AID is required which is time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile configuration accessibilityVSAvoidtime for profile replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card insertion and removal with an electronic/software-based system. Profile data is transferred wirelessly to the AID, eliminating the need for physical access to the device. This substitution resolves the contradiction by making profile configuration accessible without time-consuming physical replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the profile data that can be transmitted electronically. Instead of physically replacing the SIM card containing the profile, the profile information is copied and transferred to the AID through wireless communication, allowing rapid profile changes without physical access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical SIM cards are used for profile management, then profile changes are possible, but the process becomes complex and difficult due to AID inaccessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile change capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical access requirement with an electronic data transfer mechanism. Profile management becomes a software operation rather than a physical one, allowing adaptable profile changes while significantly improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for physical AID access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (wireless communication interface and profile management software) that mediates between the user and the AID. This intermediary allows profile configuration without direct physical access to the AID, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wireless profile transfer is implemented, then physical access is no longer needed, but a configuration management system is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical access requirementVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional configuration management system that handles profile creation, storage, transfer, and verification. This universal system consolidates multiple functions into a single platform, reducing the overall complexity burden despite adding wireless capabilities. The system serves multiple purposes: profile management, data transfer, and device configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration management system enables self-service profile deployment and updates. Once the wireless infrastructure is in place, profile changes can be performed automatically without requiring complex manual intervention or physical access, effectively managing the added system complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4637099A1Wireless installation of physical SIM and esim profiles on airplane systems

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A communications configuration system comprising a computer system (212) and a configuration manager (214) in the computer system (212). The configuration manager (214) is configured to identify a profile (220) for a communications network (207) that provides a communications service (221). The configuration manager (214) is configured to create a user modifiable software part (223, 404) for the communications network (207) using the profile (220), wherein the user modifiable software part (223, 404) is for a communications gateway (102, 204) in an aircraft (206) that manages communications. The configuration manager (214) is configured to send the user modifiable software part (223, 404) to an aircraft network (151, 224) in the aircraft (206). The user modifiable software part (223, 404) is used to configure the communications gateway (102, 204).