Aircraft-Mounted Software Updates Without Component Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying aircraft software requires removal of components or use of special equipment, complicating the software maintenance process.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for software updates in aircraft using an aircraft-mounted data acquisition and transmission unit to receive and install software updates wirelessly or through wired connections, allowing in-situ software configuration changes without removing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software modification is performed using conventional methods, then software configuration can be changed, but component removal or special equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft system performs software updates autonomously using its own onboard data acquisition and transmission unit, eliminating the need for external special equipment. The system self-updates by receiving software packages via communication links and installing them locally, making the maintenance process self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The data acquisition and transmission unit acts as an intermediary between external software sources and the target aircraft systems. It receives software packages through communication links, processes them, and installs them on the appropriate systems, serving as a bridge that eliminates the need for direct physical component removal or specialized maintenance equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If component removal is used for software updates, then software can be modified, but aircraft downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical component removal and physical software media installation with an electronic/digital process. Software packages are transmitted electronically through communication links and installed via the data acquisition unit, eliminating the need for physical component handling and reducing update time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
Software packages can be prepared and transmitted in advance during flight or before maintenance is needed. The data acquisition unit receives and stores software updates while the aircraft is operating, allowing updates to be installed during scheduled maintenance windows rather than requiring immediate component removal.
3Reliability
If special equipment is used for software updates, then software installation can be performed, but logistical effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data acquisition and transmission unit is a multi-functional system that performs both data collection during flight operations and software update installation. This universal device eliminates the need for separate special-purpose update equipment, reducing logistical requirements and costs while maintaining reliable software installation capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a software update method and system for an aircraft, software data obtained at a computing device mounted to the aircraft, the software data comprising a software loader and one or more software files containing an update to a software configuration of at least one target device mounted to the aircraft and communicatively coupled to the computing device. The software loader is executed at the computing device to install the one or more software files into the at least one target device and thereby modify the software configuration of the at least one target device according to the update.