Aircraft Functional Test Assistant Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pre-flight testing procedures for aircraft systems are time-consuming, contribute to pilot workload, and are prone to errors due to the scattered nature of controls and display devices on the flight deck.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a display device, data processors, and non-transitory machine-readable memory that generates outputs to display test objects associated with functional tests, selects tests based on aircraft conditions, and initiates tests according to a predetermined order, reducing the need for manual interaction with multiple controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flight crew manually execute pre-flight tests by interfacing with scattered controls and display devices, then functional testing can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and increases pilot workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scattered controls and display devices into a single integrated graphical user interface that consolidates all pre-flight testing functions. This merging eliminates the need for pilots to physically move between separate controls and displays, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining complete functional testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated testing assistant as an intermediary between the flight crew and aircraft systems. This mediator automatically executes test sequences, monitors system responses, and manages test documentation, significantly reducing the time pilots spend on manual testing procedures while ensuring thorough functional verification
2Reliability
If flight crew manually execute pre-flight tests with scattered controls, then functional testing can be performed, but error-prone omissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that automatically track test completion status, verify system responses, and alert pilots to any missed or failed tests. The graphical user interface provides real-time feedback on testing progress and systematically ensures all required tests are completed, eliminating omissions while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization of all test procedures and requirements before the actual testing begins. The graphical user interface pre-configures test sequences, automatically generates checklists, and structures the testing workflow in advance, making the execution phase simple and error-free while ensuring complete functional coverage
3Reliability
If multiple scattered controls and display devices are used for pre-flight testing, then comprehensive system testing can be achieved, but pilot workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface serves as a universal control panel that integrates multiple functions into a single interface. It can initiate tests, display results, track progress, and generate documentation all through one system, maintaining comprehensive testing coverage while reducing pilot workload by eliminating the need to operate multiple separate controls and displays
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for assisting a flight crew with (e.g., pre-flight) functional testing of aircraft systems are disclosed. An aircraft condition can be used to select one or more functional tests that are applicable based on the aircraft condition. The aircraft condition can be used to initiate the execution of the one or more applicable selected functional tests. The aircraft condition can also be used to identify the one or more functional tests that are applicable on a display device so as to guide the flight crew during the execution of the functional tests.