Avionics Touch Panel EMI Deactivation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capacitive touch panels in avionics are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can cause accidental actuation and lead to unsafe aircraft conditions due to erroneous control signals.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a capacitive touch panel, a touch panel controller, an EMI detection system with a sensor, comparator, and isolation switch to prevent EMI-induced false inputs by interrupting the connection between the touch panel and controller when EMI thresholds are exceeded, and provides user notification of the touch panel's enablement status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a capacitive touch panel is used in avionics, then activation force is reduced and multi-touch support is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to EMI causing false actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation forceVSAvoidsusceptibility to EMI

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An EMI detection system is introduced as an intermediary component between the capacitive touch panel and the flight control system. This mediator detects electromagnetic interference and generates control signals to deactivate the touch panel, preventing false actuation while maintaining normal operation during EMI-free conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of EMI conditions before false actuation can occur. The EMI detection system continuously monitors for interference and proactively deactivates the touch panel when EMI thresholds are exceeded, preventing harmful effects before they manifest

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Strength

If a mechanical protective cover is added to a resistive touch panel, then physical protection is improved, but activation force increases making operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical protectionVSAvoidactivation force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical protective cover approach with an electronic/EMI-based solution. Instead of adding mechanical layers that increase activation force, the system uses an EMI detection and deactivation mechanism that maintains ease of operation while providing protection through intelligent control rather than physical reinforcement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Prevents unintended aircraft control operations by accurately distinguishing between actual user inputs and EMI-induced signals, ensuring safer avionics system operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic interference (EMI) detection system configured to provide control signals to the isolation switching means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8723836B1Touch panel deactivation systems and methods

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

A system for disabling touch panel input capabilities may include, but is not limited to: a touch panel device including a touch panel controller; a touch panel input processing device; an isolation switching means coupling at least one of a touch panel device and the touch panel controller to the touch panel input processing device; and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) detection system configured to provide control signals to the isolation switching means.