Automated Switch Activation System for Retrofitting Legacy Consoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of replacing legacy console panels in aircraft and automobiles with autonomous features, which often requires invasive systems, new switches, wiring, and data converters, makes retrofitting costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An automated and releasable switch activation system that includes a support member, a movable carriage, a rotatable joint, an image capturing sensor, an actuator, and a processor-controlled system to adjust switch positions based on sensor data, allowing for automated switch activation and deactivation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy console panels are replaced with autonomous features, then autonomous functionality is achieved, but cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated carriage system serves multiple functions: it can activate legacy switches, position sensors, and be manually repositioned by users. This single multi-functional device replaces what would otherwise require separate systems for autonomous operation and manual access, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated carriage acts as an intermediary between the autonomous system and legacy switches. Rather than directly modifying legacy panels or requiring complete system replacement, the carriage mediates interaction by physically positioning actuators and sensors to interface with existing switches, thereby achieving autonomous functionality without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If invasive systems and new wiring are installed for autonomous features, then autonomous operation is enabled, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the autonomous operation capability from the legacy console panel itself and places it in a separate, movable carriage. This allows the autonomous functionality to be added without modifying the existing panel structure, wiring, or switches, thereby enabling autonomous operation while avoiding the high installation costs associated with invasive modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than replacing original switches with new autonomous switches, the system creates a copy or replica of the switch activation function through the automated carriage. The carriage carries actuators that replicate the physical action of switch activation, and sensors that replicate switch position detection, thereby achieving autonomous operation without the cost of installing entirely new switch assemblies and wiring.
3Productivity
If automated switch activation is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the automated actuation mechanism, sensor array, and carriage positioning system into a single integrated device. This consolidation improves operational efficiency by automating switch activation and monitoring while containing device complexity within one modular unit rather than distributing complex components throughout the vehicle's electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated carriage is equipped with its own sensors, actuators, and control systems that enable it to independently locate, activate, and monitor switches without requiring external control wiring or complex integration with the vehicle's existing systems. This self-service capability improves operational efficiency while limiting the increase in overall device complexity to the portable unit itself.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a releasable actuation system includes a support member, a carriage movable relative to the support member, a releasable mount configured to couple the support member to a frame, the support member being rotatable relative to the releasable mount by a rotatable joint, an image capturing sensor connected to the carriage, an actuator connected to the carriage and operable to adjust a position of a switch, a memory having computer readable instructions, and one or more processors for executing the computer readable instructions, the computer readable instructions controlling the one or more processors to perform operations comprising directing the actuator to adjust the position of the switch.