Remote Aircraft Maintenance Data Access via IP Gateway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional aircraft health monitoring requires maintenance personnel to physically access the central maintenance computer, limiting efficient access and allowing only single-user access to critical maintenance data.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an IP network with a remote communication device, intermediary computing device, and onboard gateway/protocol server allows secure, remote access by multiple users through unique IP addresses and security protocols, enabling authorized communication sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If maintenance personnel physically access the central maintenance computer on the aircraft, then direct access to maintenance data is achieved, but maintenance time is consumed and only single-user access is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccess to maintenance dataVSAvoidMaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote communication device as an intermediary between maintenance personnel and the central maintenance computer. This device enables remote access through a network, allowing technicians to query maintenance data without physically being onboard the aircraft, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming travel and enabling multi-user simultaneous access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If maintenance personnel remain onboard the aircraft to access the CMC terminal, then direct data access is possible, but travel and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidTravel time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical travel and on-site terminal access with an electronic communication system. Maintenance personnel can access the CMC terminal remotely through a network connection, substituting the need for physical presence and travel with digital communication, thereby significantly reducing time loss and improving maintenance productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If only a single mechanic accesses the CMC at a time, then direct control is maintained, but access efficiency and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMulti-user access capabilityVSAvoidData access control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal access system where multiple maintenance personnel can simultaneously connect to the central maintenance computer through the remote communication device. The system maintains reliable data access control through authentication mechanisms while enabling multi-user versatility, allowing several mechanics to query maintenance information concurrently without compromising security or data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9652899B2Methods, apparatus and systems for accessing vehicle operational data using an intelligent network router

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided that allow more efficient access to vehicle health maintenance information within a vehicle. In addition, it is desirable to provide remote access to the health information by a plurality of users.