Avionics Processing Unit AOC Data Update Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Loading airline operation center (AOC) database information onto an aircraft's communications system is time-consuming and costly, requiring manual intervention by maintenance engineers and taking months to complete for an entire airline fleet.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a computing device onboard an aircraft to automatically retrieve and transmit AOC information to an avionics processing unit, such as a communications management unit (CMU), eliminating the need for manual loading and enabling frequent updates without ACARS data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual loading of AOC database information is performed by maintenance engineers, then the AOC database can be loaded onto the aircraft communications system, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAOC database loading reliabilityVSAvoidTime required for AOC database loading
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-service loading of AOC database information. The computing device automatically retrieves AOC information from a remote server and transmits it to the avionics processing unit without requiring manual intervention by maintenance engineers, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of loading AOC database information with an automated electronic system. The computing device uses software applications to automatically retrieve and transmit data, substituting the manual mechanical loading process with an automated electronic data transfer mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual loading of AOC database information is performed, then the data can be updated, but the process is costly requiring maintenance engineer intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAOC database update reliabilityVSAvoidCost of AOC database loading
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-service updates by retrieving AOC database information directly from a remote server and transmitting it to the avionics processing unit. This eliminates the need for costly manual intervention by maintenance engineers while ensuring reliable data updates through automated error checking and verification protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual loading process is used for entire airline fleet, then all aircraft can be updated, but it takes months of manpower

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFleet-wide AOC database update capabilityVSAvoidFleet update speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple aircraft in a fleet. The same device can be deployed across different aircraft, automatically retrieving and transmitting AOC database information to various avionics processing units, enabling efficient fleet-wide updates without requiring specialized manual processes for each aircraft

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous automatic updates of AOC database information across the fleet. The computing device can continuously retrieve updated information from the remote server and transmit it to the avionics processing unit without interruption, maintaining continuous operational capability and eliminating the months-long downtime associated with manual fleet-wide updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4510061A1Method and system to use computing device to obtain operator preferences and configurations used by avionics processing unit
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4510061A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4510061A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4510061A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system for airline operation center (AOC) data communications are disclosed. The method comprises providing a computing device for use onboard an aircraft, with the computing device hosting at least one application configured to interact with at least one avionics processing unit onboard the aircraft. The method further comprises automatically retrieving, by the at least one application, AOC information for storage and processing on the computing device, and transmitting by the at least one application, the AOC information from the computing device to the at least one avionics processing unit. The AOC information is used by the at least one avionics processing unit to execute an AOC application hosted by the at least one avionics processing unit.