Avionics LRU Replacement Using Internal Memory Data Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The replacement of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) in complex electronic vehicular control systems, such as aviation systems, is a complex and arduous process due to the need for external devices to install and configure software and configuration data, which can lead to untracked alterations affecting other LRUs, potentially causing undesirable system operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated avionics system where LRUs store software and configuration data internally, monitoring and logging changes, allowing for the internal storage and retrieval of software and configuration files, eliminating the need for external devices during replacement by using internal memory to facilitate the installation of new LRUs and maintain a record of changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external devices are used to install and configure software and configuration data for LRUs, then the LRU replacement process can be performed, but the process becomes complex and arduous requiring multiple external devices and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
A configuration server is introduced as an intermediary component that centralizes the storage and management of software and configuration data. The server communicates with LRUs through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for multiple external loading devices. The server acts as a mediator that automatically provides the necessary configuration data to both the replacing LRU and affected system LRUs, simplifying the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the configuration server to automatically identify which LRUs are affected by a replacement, retrieve the appropriate software and configuration data, and distribute it to the necessary components without requiring technician intervention for each individual LRU. The system autonomously manages the configuration distribution process.
2Reliability
If software and configuration data are stored on external devices, then LRU installation is possible, but untracked alterations may cause the aviation system to operate in an undesirable manner
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration server implements a feedback mechanism that automatically tracks and records all configuration data distributions to LRUs. Each time software or configuration data is transferred, the server logs the transaction including timestamps, LRU identifiers, and data versions. This feedback loop ensures complete auditability of system changes without requiring manual logbook entries, maintaining reliable tracking of all alterations.
3Productivity
If a technician manually manages software and configuration data for multiple LRUs, then replacements can be performed, but it requires locating appropriate data and performing several loading procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration server performs preliminary actions by pre-storing all necessary software and configuration data in its database before LRU replacements occur. When an LRU is replaced, the server has already organized and prepared the appropriate configuration data for the replacing LRU and all affected system LRUs, eliminating the time required for technicians to locate and prepare configuration data manually.
4Ease of operation
If configuration data is not internally stored and tracked, then external devices can be used for installation, but the replacement process becomes arduous and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the storage dimension from individual LRU internal memory to a centralized configuration server, creating a new dimensional approach to data management. Instead of each LRU requiring its own storage capacity for configuration data, the system utilizes the server's storage dimension, which is shared across all LRUs. This dimensional shift eliminates the need for duplicating configuration data across multiple LRU storage units.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved integrated avionics system having a plurality of line replacement units (LRUs) is disclosed. At least one LRU stores in its memory software and configuration data stored and used by another LRU in the system. Upon detecting a new LRU installation, the at least one LRU may be configured to copy to its internal memory the software and configuration data loaded to the new LRU. The LRU may also store a table in its internal memory identifying each LRU that has been installed in the system, when each LRU was installed, and a copy of configuration and software data loaded to each LRU. If one of the LRUs in the system needs to be replaced, the LRU may determine which software and configuration data is applicable to the replaced LRU and load the determined software and configuration data to the new LRU, thereby improving the loading and installation process.