Sensor Module for Aircraft Control Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules that rely solely on the frequency of the aircraft's electrical system to generate a control signal for switching off devices during flight are unreliable due to the variable frequency range in modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A 380 and Boeing 787, which complicates achieving a high level of safety in switching off devices before flight.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module that incorporates both an on-board network sensor for detecting the electromagnetic field radiated by the aircraft's electrical system and an ATC sensor for detecting the ATC signal emitted by the aircraft, generating a control signal when either sensor detects a signal above a predefined threshold, ensuring a high level of certainty in identifying entry into an aircraft and thus safely switching off devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensor module relies solely on the frequency of the aircraft's electrical system to generate a control signal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of generating a control signal with high certainty deteriorates due to variable frequency ranges in modern aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different detection methods: monitoring the aircraft's electrical system frequency and detecting ATC communication signals. By merging these two independent detection approaches, the system achieves high reliability in control signal generation without requiring excessive complexity in a single detection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect both the electrical system frequency characteristics and ATC communication signals. This multi-functionality allows the system to reliably identify aircraft entry through multiple independent criteria, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability
2Reliability
If the sensor module uses multiple detection criteria (on-board network and ATC signal), then the reliability of control signal generation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent modules: one for detecting electrical system frequency characteristics and another for detecting ATC communication signals. Each module operates independently with its own detection logic, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable despite the increased functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal generation is mediated through a logical evaluation unit that processes inputs from both detection modules. This intermediary layer coordinates the multiple detection criteria without requiring direct complex interaction between the detection modules themselves, thus managing system complexity
3Reliability
If the sensor module requires both detection criteria to be met, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity of device switching off is reduced due to more stringent conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using both criteria before generating the control signal. By evaluating multiple detection criteria in advance and using logical OR evaluation, the system ensures reliable identification of aircraft entry conditions while maintaining timely control signal generation for device switching off
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable control signal with a high degree of certainty, reducing erroneous triggering and ensuring that devices are switched off effectively before flight, even in modern aircraft with variable electrical frequencies, by utilizing the ATC signal as a secondary criterion.
Implementation Method 1
an on-board network sensor for an electromagnetic field radiated by the on-board network of the aircraft
Implementation Method 2
an ATC sensor for an ATC signal emitted by the aircraft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor module for generating a control signal before an aircraft is started. The sensor module comprises an on-board electrical system sensor (18) for an electromagnetic field emitted by the on-board electrical system of the aircraft and an ATC sensor (20) for an ATC signal emitted by the aircraft. The sensor module generates a control signal if one of the following events occurs. The on-board electrical system sensor (18) discovers a signal (IVFG) from the on-board electrical system that is above a threshold value (SVFG). The ATC sensor (20) detects an ATC signal (IATC) above a threshold value (SATC). The invention also relates to a corresponding method. The invention makes it possible to switch off a device (25), which must not be operating during the flight, in good time with a high degree of safety.