Integrated Avionics Backup Power Supply Reducing Aircraft Weight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for providing backup power to avionics equipment in aircraft increase weight and complexity by requiring additional LRUs and may not efficiently manage power distribution, failing to meet new FAA requirements for independent power sources without compromising electrical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An integrated avionics system with an enclosure housing a recording device, a backup energy storage device capable of supplying power for over ten minutes, and a maintenance module with a processor for controlled charging and discharging, allowing optimal energy storage and reducing the need for additional LRUs and wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated remote independent power supply LRU is added to the aircraft, then backup power capability is improved, but aircraft weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backup power supply functionality with the existing flight recorder unit by integrating an energy storage device into the same enclosure. This merging approach provides the required independent backup power capability while eliminating the need for a separate dedicated LRU, thereby reducing aircraft weight and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight recorder enclosure is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses both the recording device and the backup energy storage device. This multi-functionality allows the same physical space to provide both data recording and backup power capabilities, avoiding additional hardware additions to the aircraft.
2Ease of operation
If a power supply sled is added to eliminate wiring alterations, then installation ease is improved, but electrical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a separate sled-mounted power supply that would introduce additional electrical interfaces and potential efficiency losses, the patent integrates the energy storage device directly within the flight recorder enclosure. This eliminates intermediate connection points and maintains optimal electrical efficiency while preserving installation simplicity.
3Reliability
If additional LRUs are added to provide backup power, then power independence is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves power independence by integrating the energy storage device within the existing flight recorder unit rather than adding a separate dedicated backup power LRU. This approach provides the required FAA-compliant independent power source while minimizing weight increase by utilizing already-present structural components and electrical interfaces.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and reliable backup power supply that maintains avionics unit operation during off-normal periods, reducing aircraft weight and complexity while ensuring optimal energy storage and efficient power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a back up energy storage device positioned within said enclosure, said energy storage device electrically coupled to said recording device to supply electrical power to said recording device
Implementation Method 2
said module comprising a processor programmed to monitor the operation of the energy storage device and to perform controlled battery charging and discharging operations that facilitate maintaining a life of the energy storage device at an optimal level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and methods for an avionics system are provided. The avionics system includes an enclosure, a recording device positioned within the enclosure, and an energy storage device positioned within the enclosure wherein the energy storage device electrically coupled to the recording device to supply electrical power to the recording device for a time period of greater than thirty seconds