Autonomous Flight Recorder Wireless Data Transfer

Solution Overview

Problem

Current flight data recording systems require operator intervention for wireless data download, which can be unsafe and may result in incomplete data transfer due to aircraft power-down issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for autonomous wireless transmission of flight data by a flight data recorder, which includes receiving a data stream from a Flight Data Acquisition Unit, storing the data in a Crash Survivable Memory Unit, determining conditions for wireless transfer based on flight data parameters, and transmitting the data using an appropriate medium and mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operator intervention is required for wireless data download, then additional hardware and operator interaction are needed, but the data transfer may be delayed or interrupted due to safety constraints and power-down issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer completionVSAvoidhardware modification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flight data recorder autonomously determines when to transmit data by monitoring flight parameters, selects appropriate transmission media, and initiates wireless data transfer without requiring operator intervention. The system self-manages the entire data download process, eliminating the need for crew action while ensuring reliable completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures wireless transmission capabilities and continuously monitors flight conditions to identify optimal transmission windows before power-down occurs. By preparing and executing transmission actions in advance, the system ensures data is transferred before the aircraft powers down, preventing interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If operator intervention is required for data download, then safety can be maintained, but the transfer may not complete before aircraft power-down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer timeVSAvoidoperator interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flight data recorder autonomously monitors flight parameters and initiates wireless data transfer without requiring operator intervention. The system self-manages the entire data download process, eliminating the need for crew action while ensuring reliable completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures wireless transmission capabilities and continuously monitors flight conditions to identify optimal transmission windows before power-down occurs. By preparing and executing transmission actions in advance, the system ensures data is transferred before the aircraft powers down, preventing interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If wireless transmission is initiated early, then data can be transferred before power-down, but the aircraft may need to stay powered on longer than required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer completionVSAvoidaircraft power duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures wireless transmission capabilities and continuously monitors flight conditions to identify optimal transmission windows before power-down occurs. By preparing and executing transmission actions in advance, the system ensures data is transferred before the aircraft powers down, preventing interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors flight parameters and transmission status, using this feedback to determine the optimal moment to initiate and complete data transfer. This feedback mechanism ensures transmission occurs at the right time without unnecessarily extending power duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250121952A1Autonomous wireless transfer of flight recorder data without aircraft modification

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 L3HARRIS AVIATION PROD INC

AI summary

A method of flight data transmission by a flight data recorder of an aircraft includes receiving flight data from a Flight Data Acquisition Unit (FDAU); storing the flight data in a Crash Survivable Memory Unit (CSMU); storing the flight data in a temporary memory; determining, based on a first one or more flight data parameters included in the flight data, whether conditions are met for wireless transfer of the flight data; determining, based on a second one or more of the flight data parameters, an appropriate medium and mode for transmission of the flight data; and wirelessly transmitting the flight data using the appropriate medium and mode.