Automated Barometric Altimeter Setting via Integrated Avionics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional barometric altimetry systems require manual pilot action to switch between standard and local settings, leading to potential human error and increased workload, especially in unfamiliar operating environments, and may be prone to mechanical failure.

Innovation Solution

An integrated system that automatically sets the barometric altimeter using air data, positioning, and weather information systems, with inputs from global navigation satellite signals, METAR messages, and voice commands, to determine the appropriate setting and alert the crew.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual pilot action is used to switch between standard and local altimeter settings, then the system is simpler and more reliable, but pilot workload increases and human error becomes more likely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduces human errorVSAvoidincreases pilot workload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated barometric altimeter setting system performs the altimeter setting function autonomously by receiving weather information, determining current position, and automatically adjusting the altimeter setting without requiring pilot intervention. The system serves itself by integrating multiple data sources and executing the setting change automatically, thereby reducing pilot workload while maintaining reliability through automated decision-making based on pre-programmed logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of twisting the altimeter adjustment knob with an automated electronic system. The mechanical pilot action is substituted by an automated control system that receives inputs from air data systems, positioning systems, and weather information systems, then electronically adjusts the altimeter setting through the existing mechanical interface or directly through electronic control, eliminating the need for manual mechanical manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual pilot action is required for altimeter setting, then device complexity is lower, but mechanical failure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeliminates dedicated flight deck knobVSAvoidreduces mechanical failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the dedicated mechanical altimeter adjustment knob and its associated mechanical components with an automated electronic control system. The mechanical system that requires manual manipulation is replaced by an electronic system that receives data from integrated sources and automatically controls the altimeter setting, thereby eliminating mechanical wear and potential failure points while reducing overall device complexity by removing the dedicated physical control interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the altimeter setting function from the manual pilot操作流程 and separates it as an automated subsystem. By taking out the manual adjustment mechanism and its associated mechanical components, the system eliminates the dedicated flight deck knob while maintaining the essential altimeter setting function through automated electronic control, thereby reducing mechanical failure risk without compromising functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If automated system is implemented, then pilot workload is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduces pilot workloadVSAvoidintegrates multiple systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple existing avionics systems (air data system, positioning system, weather information system) into a unified automated altimeter setting system. By combining these systems and their data streams, the patent creates an integrated solution that automatically performs altimeter setting, thereby reducing pilot workload while managing system complexity through consolidation of functions that already exist in modern aircraft avionics architectures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated altimeter setting system performs multiple functions by integrating data from various sources (air data, positioning, weather information) and providing not only automatic altimeter setting but also associated alerts and notifications. This multi-functional approach consolidates several operations into a single automated system, reducing the need for separate manual procedures while managing complexity through universal system design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9243906B1Automated barometric pressure setting system and related method

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

A system and related method is disclosed for automated setting of a barometric altimeter onboard an aircraft. The system may receive inputs from a plurality of integrated systems and, based on those inputs, automatically set the barometric altimeter to the proper setting for safe operation of the aircraft. Recognition of a voice command from an onboard operator as well as from an offboard source, and parsing of received METAR reports coupled with positioning information may form the basis of the integrated inputs. Once the barometric altimeter is automatically set, the system notifies the crewmember of the new barometric altimeter setting.