Aircraft Wiring Harness Identification for Self-Configuring Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electrical systems require numerous unique electronic modules due to location-specific functionalities, leading to increased complexity in design, certification, and installation, as well as a higher risk of installation mistakes due to the need for distinct parts and software configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method where electronic modules transmit a connection point identification request to determine configuration data based on their connection point, allowing them to automatically reconfigure for specific locations within the aircraft electrical system, using a wiring harness with connection points that store identifiers and facilitate communication for configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique electronic modules are used for different locations, then location-specific functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic module design that can be used across multiple locations in the aircraft cabin. The module contains a processor that reads location-specific configuration data from the wiring harness connection points, allowing a single module type to adapt its behavior based on its installation location. This eliminates the need for multiple unique module types while maintaining location-specific functionality through software configuration rather than hardware differentiation.
2Reliability
If multiple unique electronic modules with different software configurations are used, then correct location-specific operation is achieved, but certification and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module automatically configures itself by reading location-specific data from the wiring harness connection point where it is installed. The processor within the module retrieves configuration parameters directly from the connection point, eliminating the need for manual software configuration or certification of multiple software variants. This self-configuration approach ensures correct operation while simplifying certification and maintenance, as only one module type needs to be certified rather than multiple location-specific variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If location-specific electronic modules are used, then appropriate behavior at each location is achieved, but installation errors increase due to similarity between modules
Solution Approach 1:
By using identical universal modules throughout the aircraft cabin that automatically configure based on their connection point, the patent eliminates visual and physical similarities that could lead to installation errors. Since all modules look and behave identically externally but automatically adapt through software configuration, installers cannot make mistakes by selecting the wrong module type. The location-specific behavior is achieved through automated configuration rather than physical differentiation, ensuring both adaptability and installation accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of configuring an aircraft electrical system (100). The aircraft electrical system (100) comprises a wiring harness (101) and a plurality of electronic modules (103a, 103b, 103c). The wiring harness comprises a plurality of connection points (107a, 107b, 107c). The method comprises: connecting a first electronic module (103a) in the plurality to the wiring harness via a first connection point (107a) in the plurality; transmitting by the first electronic module (103a), a connection point identification request; in response to the transmitting, receiving at the first electronic module (103a) from the wiring harness (101), an identifier of the first connection point (107a); on the basis of the received identifier, determining configuration data for the first electronic module (103a), the configuration data being associated with the first connection point (107a); and configuring the first electronic module (103a) to operate in accordance with the determined configuration data.