Aircraft Terminal Portable Resource Network Interface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft communication systems face challenges in allowing pilots to seamlessly use portable resources during flight and on the ground, requiring standardized connectors that are not universally compatible and posing data security concerns, with each manufacturer needing custom adapters for different computer models.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft communication system that connects a portable resource to an aircraft terminal via a network connection, allowing the terminal to access the resource's memory and execute applications, using standard connections like Ethernet or USB, enabling any portable resource to be used without physical adaptation and enhancing security and interactivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal connector is installed in the cockpit to accommodate all types of resources, then compatibility with different devices is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a docking station as an intermediary device between the universal connector and portable computers. The docking station handles the complexity of connecting to the aircraft bus (ARINC 429) and provides standardized interfaces for different computer models, thereby maintaining compatibility while reducing the complexity burden on the aircraft terminal itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal connector is designed to work with multiple types of portable computers and resources through standardized interfaces. The docking station further enhances this universality by accommodating different computer models and brands while maintaining a single standardized connection point in the cockpit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specific docking stations are installed for each computer brand, then compatibility with specific models is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel compatibilityVSAvoiddocking station variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single universal docking station that can accommodate multiple computer brands and models through standardized interfaces. This eliminates the need for separate docking stations for each brand, reducing complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal docking station serves as an intermediary that translates different computer interfaces into a standardized connection protocol, allowing diverse portable computers to connect to the aircraft bus through a single standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adapters are manufactured for each portable computer model, then compatibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-model compatibilityVSAvoidadapter manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The universal docking station acts as a centralized intermediary that eliminates the need for multiple adapters. Instead of manufacturing separate adapters for each computer model, the docking station provides a single standardized interface that works with all supported models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different computer models and brands, replacing the need for model-specific adapters and simplifying manufacturing to a single standardized product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If physical connectors are used to link portable resources with the aircraft terminal, then connection reliability is improved, but data security vulnerabilities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddata security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct physical connector connections with a wireless communication-based connection system. The portable computer connects to the aircraft bus through wireless communication via the universal connector, eliminating the need for direct physical links and associated security vulnerabilities while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9003085B2Aircraft communication system comprising an aircraft terminal and a portable resource

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 AIRBUS (SAS)

AI summary

An aircraft communication system including an aircraft terminal connected to at least one input/output unit. The system includes a portable resource connected to the aircraft terminal via a network connection. The at least one input/output unit is configured to interact with the unit formed by the aircraft terminal and the portable resource.