Wireless Cargo Control Adapter for Redundant PDU Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft cargo handling systems are burdened by extra weight due to the inclusion of legacy physical control interfaces for redundancy, even as they transition to wireless technology.
Innovation Solution
A cargo handling system featuring a wireless adapter that couples to a system controller via an expansion port, utilizing non-standard proprietary connectors, and incorporating near field communication (NFC) circuitry and display capabilities, allowing for wireless control of power drive units and providing indicators for connection status and system errors, thereby reducing weight and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If legacy physical control interfaces are included for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control interface functionality from the physical domain to the wireless domain. The wireless adapter enables control devices to communicate with the cargo handling system controller via wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) without requiring physical control panels or wired connections, thereby removing the weight of legacy physical interfaces while maintaining system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control interfaces (physical panels, buttons, and wired connections) with wireless communication systems. The wireless adapter facilitates data transmission between control devices and the system controller using electromagnetic waves, substituting the mechanical connection system and eliminating the associated weight while preserving control functionality
2Weight of stationary object
If wireless technology is implemented, then device weight is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless adapter serves as an intermediary device that bridges the control devices and the cargo handling system controller. It handles wireless communication protocols, data encoding/decoding, and protocol conversion, isolating the complexity of wireless implementation from both the control devices and the main system controller
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless adapter is designed to support multiple wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) and can interface with various control devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops). This multi-functionality consolidates multiple potential communication interfaces into a single universal adapter, reducing overall system complexity
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
The wireless adapter enables lightweight, flexible control of cargo handling systems, reducing unnecessary weight and enhancing operational efficiency by providing wireless access and secure connectivity for loading, unloading, and maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
the wireless adapter comprises near field communication (NFC) circuitry configured to pass and receive information with the wireless cargo handling control device
Data Source
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AI summary
A cargo handling system that utilizes a wireless adapter is provided. The cargo handling system includes a plurality of power drive units (PDUs) (110), a system controller (130) in communication with each of the plurality of PDUs, a wireless adapter (200) coupled to the system controller, and a wireless cargo handling control device (204) wirelessly coupled to the system controller via the wireless adapter and configured to control each of the plurality of PDUs.