Aircraft Magnetic Declinator System for Inertial Reference Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of magnetic navigation data in aircraft inertial reference units decreases over time due to outdated magnetic declination values, leading to increased costs and delays in updating inertial reference units, which are often prohibitively expensive and limited in availability.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic declinator unit that receives inertial reference data from an inertial reference unit, determines replacement magnetic navigation data based on the aircraft's current position, and adjusts the data to form adjusted inertial reference data, which is then sent to aircraft systems, reducing the need for frequent updates of inertial reference units and allowing for more frequent updates of magnetic declination data without removing the units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If magnetic declination values are fixed in inertial reference units, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates over time due to outdated values
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the inertial reference unit from the magnetic declination data storage and update functions. The inertial reference unit remains simple and fixed, while magnetic declination data is stored separately in updateable memory or obtained from external sources, allowing independent updates without modifying the core inertial reference unit.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary component or software layer is introduced between the inertial reference unit and the magnetic navigation data output. This intermediary handles the dynamic updating of magnetic declination values, combining them with inertial reference data to produce accurate magnetic navigation information without requiring modifications to the inertial reference unit itself.
2Measurement precision
If inertial reference units are updated with new magnetic declination values, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to removal and update procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic declination data is extracted from the inertial reference unit and stored separately in updateable memory or obtained from external sources. This allows the inertial reference unit to remain installed and operational while magnetic declination values are updated independently through software or data loading, eliminating the need for physical removal and lengthy update procedures.
3Measurement precision
If manufacturer updates are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to high update costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables operators to perform updates themselves without requiring manufacturer intervention. Magnetic declination data can be downloaded from public sources or updated through software interfaces, allowing airlines and operators to maintain accurate magnetic navigation data independently, significantly reducing update costs and eliminating manufacturer markups.
4Reliability
If spare inertial reference units are maintained for updates, then reliability is improved, but quantity of substance increases due to high unit costs
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the updateable magnetic declination data from the inertial reference units, the system eliminates the need for expensive spare units. Operators can maintain a single inertial reference unit and update its magnetic declination data independently, ensuring continuous operation without requiring backup units or costly replacement hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for adjusting inertial reference data. The inertial reference data is received from an inertial reference unit in an aircraft. Replacement magnetic navigation data is determined for the aircraft at a current position of the aircraft. Magnetic navigation data in the inertial reference data is replaced with the replacement magnetic navigation data for the aircraft to form adjusted inertial reference data. The adjusted inertial reference data is sent to a number of aircraft systems that use the adjusted inertial reference data during operation of the aircraft.