Cabin Gateway Wireless Data Loading for Aircraft Avionics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy aircraft lack wireless data loading capabilities, relying on costly and error-prone manual processes for updating database files and avionics, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a cabin gateway with a data load software application module, onboard switch and storage unit, and vehicle electronics unit, enabling secure wireless data transfer from ground servers to the aircraft via wide area networks, without requiring cockpit avionics upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual data loading processes are used in legacy aircraft, then data can be transferred to avionics, but the process is error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic file staging and data loading where the gateway initiates remote transfers from ground servers and automatically loads data into avionics without requiring manual intervention. The data load software application module executes automated procedures, eliminating human error and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physical connections, manual file transfers) with automated electronic and software-based systems. The gateway uses wireless communication and automated software modules to perform data transfer, substituting the manual mechanical operations with electronic automation.
2Ease of operation
If cockpit avionics are updated with wireless gateways and automatic file staging solutions, then wireless data loading is enabled, but the cost and time for updates increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cabin gateway as an intermediary device that enables wireless data loading without requiring updates to the cockpit avionics. The gateway acts as a mediator between ground servers and the existing avionics system, allowing wireless communication while leaving the original avionics unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the wireless data loading functionality from the cockpit avionics by implementing it in the cabin gateway. This segmentation allows the wireless capability to be added independently without modifying or upgrading the expensive cockpit avionics system.
3Productivity
If manual data transfer procedures are used, then data can be loaded into aircraft, but maintenance personnel must physically connect devices and initiate transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway automatically initiates remote data transfers from ground servers and performs file staging without requiring maintenance personnel to physically connect devices or manually initiate transfers. The system serves itself by automatically managing the entire data loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The data load software application module monitors and manages the automated data transfer process, providing feedback control to ensure successful completion of file staging and loading operations without requiring manual oversight or intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for data loading in a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a cabin gateway onboard the vehicle, with the gateway including a data load software application module; an onboard switch and storage unit in operative communication with the gateway; and an onboard vehicle electronics unit in operative communication with the switch and storage unit. The gateway is configured to communicate with one or more wide area networks, and is configured to communicate with a portable device and a secure ground portal. The gateway is operative to initiate a remote transfer of data from one or more ground servers through the one or more wide area networks to the vehicle, and to store the data onboard the vehicle. The data load software application module in the gateway includes instructions, executable by a processor, for loading the stored data into the vehicle electronics unit.