Aircraft Software Part Library Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current system for managing and distributing aircraft software parts is cumbersome and time-consuming, relying on physical media like diskettes and DVDs, which occupies space and requires extensive retrieval processes for maintenance operations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus that manages aircraft software parts through a library system, utilizing a user interface to select and uplink software parts to a target aircraft data processing system, with a proxy server application for distribution, streamlining storage and retrieval processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aircraft software parts are stored on physical media (diskettes, CDs, DVDs) in filing cabinets, then the software parts can be physically archived and distributed, but the system occupies significant space and requires extensive manual retrieval processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware part availabilityVSAvoidretrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical media storage system (diskettes, CDs, DVDs in filing cabinets) with an electronic digital storage system. Software parts are stored as digital files on servers and distributed through electronic networks, eliminating the need for physical retrieval processes and significantly reducing access time while maintaining software availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates and distributes digital copies of aircraft software parts through an electronic distribution system. Instead of physically handling original media, the system generates and transfers digital replicas via network connections, allowing simultaneous access and distribution to multiple locations without physical movement of the master copy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If aircraft software parts are stored on physical media in filing cabinets, then the software parts can be archived, but the system occupies significant physical space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware part storageVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical media storage system with an electronic digital storage infrastructure. Digital files are stored on servers and distributed storage systems, which occupy minimal physical space compared to filing cabinets containing numerous physical media, while providing reliable and scalable storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If physical media storage systems are used for aircraft software parts, then the parts can be distributed to aircraft, but the distribution process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware part distributionVSAvoiddistribution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical distribution process involving physical media transport with an electronic distribution system. Software parts are transmitted digitally through network connections directly to aircraft systems, eliminating the need for physical media handling, transport, and installation, thereby dramatically improving distribution efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If physical media are kept on board aircraft for software parts, then immediate access is possible, but the aircraft requires additional storage space and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware access speedVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical media storage on aircraft with electronic storage systems accessible through network connections. Software parts are stored digitally in aircraft systems and can be accessed or updated via network communication, eliminating the need for physical media while maintaining fast access speeds and reducing aircraft weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9038047B2Aircraft software part library

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing aircraft software parts. An aircraft software part is received at a library. The received part is stored in the library with other aircraft software parts. A user interface is provided to manipulate the aircraft software parts. Responsive to receiving a user input from the user interface to uplink a selected aircraft software part to a target aircraft data processing system, a command is created to send the selected part to an aircraft in which the target aircraft data processing system is located. The uplink command is stored in a queue in the storage in the library. The uplink command is distributed to a proxy server application in response to a request for commands. Responsive to receiving a request from the proxy server application processing the stored uplink command, the selected part is sent to the proxy server application.