Auxiliary Power Line Maintenance Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for retrieving maintenance data from vehicle units are cumbersome and costly, often requiring the powering up of entire vehicle systems or removal of units for data access, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an auxiliary power line connected to vehicle units, where a digital source controller powers and retrieves maintenance data, including BIT, BITE, health management, and configuration data, via broadband over power line (BPL) communication, allowing for selective unit access without powering the entire vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to retrieve maintenance data from vehicle units, then data can be obtained, but the process is cumbersome and requires physical access or removal of units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical access methods (reading nameplates, manually connecting test equipment) with electronic communication over the auxiliary power line. Maintenance data is transmitted digitally through the existing power infrastructure, eliminating the need for physical unit removal or specialized test equipment connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power line is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power delivery and data communication functions. This existing infrastructure is utilized for dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated maintenance access channels or specialized test equipment.
2Loss of information
If the entire vehicle system is powered up to access unit data, then data retrieval is possible, but operational costs increase and aircraft availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ability to retrieve maintenance data from the context of full vehicle operation. By enabling data access through the auxiliary power line while the vehicle is in standby or shutdown mode, it separates the data retrieval function from the requirement of complete system powering, allowing maintenance activities without full operational overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary maintenance data retrieval during standby or shutdown phases before full vehicle operation is required. This allows maintenance personnel to access and assess unit health status in advance, potentially preventing the need for full system powering and subsequent maintenance interruptions.
3Loss of information
If proprietary test equipment is used to obtain maintenance data, then data can be retrieved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service maintenance data retrieval by utilizing the existing auxiliary power line infrastructure that is already present in the vehicle. No external proprietary test equipment is required - the vehicle's own power distribution system is leveraged for communication, making maintenance capabilities inherent to the vehicle rather than requiring external specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power distribution function and data communication function into a single integrated system using the auxiliary power line. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate expensive test equipment and infrastructure, reducing overall maintenance system costs while maintaining full data access capability.
4Loss of information
If health monitoring data is transmitted over existing infrastructure, then bandwidth limitations and cost constraints prevent implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power line is utilized for dual purposes - both power delivery and data communication. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure enables health monitoring data transmission without requiring dedicated communication channels, effectively increasing available bandwidth for maintenance data while utilizing already-deployed physical infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient, cost-effective, and selective retrieval of maintenance data, reducing operational costs and increasing aircraft availability by eliminating the need for specialized test equipment and allowing for autonomous health monitoring during all flight phases.
Implementation Method 1
powering the unit by an auxiliary power line connected to the unit or by a primary power line connected to the unit
Implementation Method 2
transmitting, by the unit, the maintenance data to the digital source controller via the auxiliary power line by using broadband over power line (BPL)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for maintenance over an auxiliary power line are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed method for retrieving maintenance data from a unit on a vehicle comprises powering the unit by an auxiliary power line connected to the unit or powering the unit by a primary power line connected to the unit. The method further comprises retrieving, by a digital source controller, the maintenance data off of the unit via the auxiliary power line by using broadband over power line (BPL). Further, the method comprises providing power to the auxiliary power line by the digital source controller. In one or more embodiments, the maintenance data comprises built in test (BIT) data, built in test equipment (BITE) data, health management data, configuration data, at least one hardware (HW) part number, and/or at least one software (SW) version number.