Aircraft Information System with Universal Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft information systems are limited by fixed electronic interfaces that require specific locations for access, restrict functionality sharing across different interfaces, and necessitate model-specific configurations, leading to increased software and training costs due to the lack of compatibility across various aircraft models.

Innovation Solution

Aircraft information systems featuring a single fixed computing device that provides both cabin and mechanic functionalities, with wireless connectivity and configuration files allowing operation across multiple aircraft models, enabling access through portable devices from various locations and reducing training requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed electronic interfaces are used for different functionalities, then specific location-based access is provided, but functionality sharing across interfaces is restricted and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation-based accessVSAvoidfunctionality sharing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal interface system where a single electronic interface can provide multiple functionalities including flight deck, cabin, and maintenance functions. This is achieved through a common hardware platform with configurable software that adapts to different operational modes, eliminating the need for separate fixed interfaces for each function and enabling cross-access to all functionalities from any location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic interface assignment where electronic interfaces can be reconfigured and reassigned to different functions based on operational needs. The interface characteristics and available functionalities can change dynamically depending on the selected mode, allowing the same physical interface to serve multiple purposes across different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If model-specific fixed electronic interfaces are implemented, then aircraft model compatibility is achieved, but software development costs and training costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft model compatibilityVSAvoidsoftware development costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a universal interface system that can operate across multiple aircraft models through configurable software settings. A single interface design serves multiple aircraft types by loading model-specific configuration parameters, eliminating the need to develop and maintain separate interface systems for each aircraft model, thereby reducing software development costs while maintaining model compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes parameter-based configuration where interface behavior is controlled by adjustable parameters specific to each aircraft model. By changing software parameters rather than rewriting code for each model, the system achieves model-specific compatibility while using a common codebase, significantly reducing development and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed electronic interfaces are deployed for different functionalities, then comprehensive functionality is provided, but the number of interfaces and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality coverageVSAvoidnumber of interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple separate electronic interfaces into a single unified interface system. This unified interface provides access to all functionalities including flight operations, cabin management, and maintenance functions through one common hardware platform, reducing the total number of interfaces while maintaining comprehensive functionality coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified interface is designed to perform multiple functions across different operational domains. By implementing a multi-functional interface that can adapt to different modes of operation, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each function, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12116136B2Aircraft information systems, aircraft that include the systems, methods of utilizing the systems, and methods of configuring the systems

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Aircraft information systems, aircraft that include the aircraft information systems, methods of utilizing the aircraft information systems, and methods of configuring the aircraft information systems are disclosed herein. The aircraft information systems include a fixed computing device configured to be fixedly installed within an aircraft. The fixed computing device is programmed to provide a cabin function interface that provides cabin functionality for a cabin attendant of the aircraft and also to provide a mechanic function interface that provides mechanic functionality for a mechanic for the aircraft. The aircraft include a fuselage, at least one wing, at least one engine, and the aircraft information systems.