Avionics Gateway Interface for Certified Mobile Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing avionics systems lack integration with non-certified mobile devices, limiting their use in the cockpit due to regulatory requirements and the need for a wireless bridge between handheld devices and certified avionics.
Innovation Solution
A gateway interface system that enables two-way communication between non-certified devices and FAA-certified devices, ensuring seamless integration without compromising the integrity of certified systems, and providing wireless connectivity options like WiFi and Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-certified mobile devices are directly interfaced with FAA-certified avionics devices, then ease of operation and data accessibility are improved, but system reliability and certification integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A certified gateway device is introduced as an intermediary between non-certified mobile devices and FAA-certified avionics systems. The gateway receives data from mobile devices, validates and processes it according to aviation standards, then transmits only certified data to the avionics systems. This mediator approach allows pilots to access and input data using convenient mobile devices while maintaining the reliability and certification integrity of the core avionics systems through the gateway's validation layer.
2Reliability
If FAA regulations require redundant backup instruments in the cockpit, then flight safety is improved, but device complexity and system configuration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The certified gateway device is designed as a universal platform that can interface with multiple types of FAA-certified avionics systems simultaneously (navigation, communication, weather, terrain). Rather than requiring separate integration systems for each avionics type, the gateway provides a single multi-functional interface that handles various data types and protocols, thereby maintaining flight safety through comprehensive coverage while reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless connectivity is provided between mobile devices and avionics systems, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of interference with certified systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The certified gateway serves as a protected intermediary that receives wireless data from mobile devices through controlled interfaces. It implements validation, filtering, and protocol conversion before transmitting data to avionics systems via shielded, certified connections. This mediator architecture enables convenient wireless operation while isolating the certified avionics systems from potential electromagnetic interference and data corruption risks associated with direct wireless connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for FAA-certified avionics devices to safely interface with non-certified mobile telecommunications devices before, during, and after flight. Data transmitted to the certified devices do not affect functionality of the certified device unless and until a user acknowledges and/or confirms the data on the certified device. Thus, the integrity of the certified device is maintained.