Avionics Rack Recording Port for Low-Bulk Aircraft Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft maintenance predictive methods require significant data acquisition systems that increase bulk and are not versatile, often necessitating tailor-made solutions due to varying aircraft architectures.
Innovation Solution
An acquisition system comprising an avionics rack with a test connector connected to aircraft data buses and a compact recording device that stores and transmits signals, minimizing bulk and architectural modifications, using standards like ARINC429 or ISO 11898, and featuring a wireless communication module for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a data acquisition system is implemented to collect significant volumes of data for predictive maintenance, then the ability to predict failures and anticipate part replacements is improved, but the bulk on board the aircraft increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the data acquisition and storage functions from the main avionics rack structure by using a detachable recording device that connects to the test connector. This separation allows the recording device to be removed when not needed, eliminating permanent bulk while maintaining predictive maintenance capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational state of the acquisition system from permanent installation to temporary deployment. The recording device can be connected to the test connector during maintenance periods and disconnected during flight operations, dynamically changing the system's physical presence parameter on board the aircraft.
2Reliability
If a data acquisition system is implemented with significant data collection capability, then predictive maintenance accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and need for tailor-made solutions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal acquisition system where the recording device can be connected to any aircraft's test connector through standard interfaces. The device is designed to work with multiple aircraft architectures without requiring custom modifications, achieving multi-functionality across different aircraft types while maintaining high predictive maintenance accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the acquisition system into two independent parts: the existing avionics rack with test connector and the separate recording device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining compatibility through standardized connections, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If a dedicated acquisition system is installed in the avionics rack, then data collection capability is improved, but the available slots for electrical equipment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the recording function from the avionics rack's internal slots by connecting the recording device externally to the test connector. This allows the avionics rack to maintain its full configuration flexibility and available slots for electrical equipment, while still providing comprehensive data collection capability through the externally connected recording device.
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce the bulk of the acquisition systems embedded onboard an aircraft and dedicated to predicting failures, an acquisition system is provided comprising an avionics rack and at least one recording device, in which the avionics rack comprises a front panel provided with at least one test connector configured to be connected to all or some of the data buses of the aircraft, each recording device comprises a housing and an acquisition port, the acquisition port being provided on an outer face of the housing, the acquisition port of each recording device is engaged with a corresponding test connector of the avionics rack, each recording device is configured to acquire at least some signals applied to the acquisition port by the corresponding test connector, and to store the acquired signals.