Avionics RF Interceptor for EFB Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems face challenges in efficiently transferring information from avionics systems to independent computers like EFBs without requiring a pre-designed unidirectional link, which is costly and difficult to implement, and risks disturbing the avionics system operations.
Innovation Solution
A device embedded onboard the aircraft with a radiofrequency receiver and transmitter, independent of the avionics system, receives and processes information from avionics systems intended for ground or other aircraft, allowing transmission to EFB computers without a specific link, using VHF, ADS-B, WiFi, or Bluetooth technologies, and optionally includes sensors for determining aircraft position and attitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a unidirectional link is provided from avionics computer to EFB computer, then information can be transmitted automatically, but the link is difficult to implement and requires costly certification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (radiofrequency receiver and transmitter system) that mediates between the avionics computer and the independent computer. The receiver captures radiofrequency signals emitted by the aircraft's communication system, and the transmitter relays this information to the independent computer, thereby enabling automatic information transfer without requiring a direct certified link between avionics and the independent computer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for a physical certified communication link with a radiofrequency-based wireless transmission system. Instead of establishing a hardwired connection between avionics computers and the independent computer, the system uses radiofrequency signals already present in the aircraft's communication environment, substituting mechanical/physical connectivity with electromagnetic wave transmission.
2Productivity
If a unidirectional link is installed during aircraft design, then information transfer is enabled, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal radiofrequency receivers and transmitters that can capture and relay various types of information (flight plan, position, performance data) through existing radiofrequency communication channels. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to handle multiple information transfer needs without requiring separate dedicated links for each function, thereby reducing overall installation cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of the radiofrequency signals emitted by the aircraft's communication system. The receiver captures these signals and the transmitter recreates them for delivery to the independent computer, enabling information transfer without requiring the expensive original certified link infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual input is required for EFB computer, then independence from avionics is maintained, but pilot workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the independent computer to serve itself by automatically receiving information through the radiofrequency receiver and transmitter. The independent computer does not require manual data entry by the pilot, as the system autonomously captures and transfers flight information, thereby reducing pilot workload while maintaining the computer's independence from the avionics system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If radiofrequency receiver is used to capture information, then independence from avionics system is maintained, but information acquisition must not disturb avionics operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts information from the radiofrequency signals already present in the aircraft environment without interfering with the avionics system. The receiver passively captures emissions intended for ground or other aircraft, separating the information acquisition function from the avionics system itself, thereby maintaining independence while ensuring avionics operation stability.
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
Enables information transfer from avionics systems to EFB computers without disturbing the avionics operations, allowing for autonomous operation and reducing certification and installation costs, while providing accurate and timely data to pilots.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiofrequency receiver configured to receive, when the device is embedded onboard the aircraft, information which arises from the avionics system and is emitted by a radiofrequency emitter of the aircraft
Implementation Method 2
at least one transmitter; and a processing unit configured to command the transmission by the transmitter, to the computer independent of the avionics system, of at least some of the information received by the radiofrequency receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A device and system for transferring information from an avionics system of an aircraft to an independent computer. The device can be embedded onboard an aircraft for transferring information arising from an avionics system from the aircraft to a computer independent of the avionics system. The device includes at least one radiofrequency receiver configured to receive information which arises from the avionics system and is emitted destined for the ground or another aircraft, at least one transmitter, and a processing unit to command the transmission by the transmitter, to the computer, of at least some of the information received by the radiofrequency receiver.