Aircraft External Load Universal Control Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adapting aircraft systems to changes in external loads or function modules is cumbersome and costly, requiring adjustments to control elements and signal transmission protocols, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An external load for aircraft featuring a first control unit for data exchange with the aircraft via a predetermined protocol, and a second control unit that converts input signals to adapt to the function module's protocol, allowing the aircraft to maintain unchanged interfaces and protocols while accommodating different function modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control elements or display units in the aircraft are adapted to different function modules, then the external load can accommodate different payloads, but the adjustment impairs the control elements and requires adjustments and rechecking of the aircraft system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second control unit as an intermediary between the aircraft's first control unit and the function module. This second control unit handles protocol conversion, allowing the aircraft's control elements to remain unchanged while accommodating different function modules with different protocols. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of adaptation, preventing it from propagating to the aircraft's control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent units: the aircraft's first control unit, the second control unit for protocol conversion, and the function module. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently with its own protocol, reducing the need for system-wide adjustments when changing function modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control elements or display units are adjusted for different function modules, then different payloads can be accommodated, but considerable effort and costs are required for checking the operation of affected aircraft function modules
Solution Approach 1:
The second control unit acts as a buffer that isolates the aircraft's control system from changes in function modules. Since the second control unit handles all protocol conversions and adaptations, the aircraft's first control unit and other systems remain unchanged, eliminating the need for time-consuming rechecking and approval processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The second control unit is pre-configured with the capability to handle multiple protocols and function modules. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid switching between different payloads without requiring on-the-spot adjustments or extensive verification, significantly reducing approval time and costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an external load (100) for an aircraft (200) comprising a first control unit (120), which is designed to be coupled to the aircraft and to exchange control data with the aircraft by means of a first specified input signal protocol (119), and a first payload space (160A) for accommodating a first payload (150A). The first payload is realized as a first function module for performing a function, and the performance of the function is initiated by the aircraft by transferring control data to the first control unit (120). The first control unit is designed to output control data according to a first specified output signal protocol (121). The external load (100) has a second control unit (130), which is arranged in such a way that the control data according to the first specified output signal protocol (121) serve as input signals for the second control unit (130). The second control unit (130) is designed to convert the input signals (121) received by the second control unit into a second output signal protocol (133) in accordance with a first conversion protocol and to adapt said input signals to a control protocol of the first function module.