Electronic Checklist Consolidating Multiple Component Controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring multiple components of an airplane subsystem into the same state using traditional sequential methods is laborious and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An electronic checklist system that displays a single selectable option on an electronic display to send control commands to multiple components, utilizing a macro-function capability to streamline the configuration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional sequential methods are used to configure multiple components, then each component can be individually controlled, but the labor and time required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configuring multiple componentsVSAvoidtime required to configure components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual component control operations into a single consolidated checklist item. When multiple components need to be configured to the same state, the system combines them into one interactive element that sends control commands to all components simultaneously, eliminating the need to configure each component separately and reducing both labor and time requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The consolidated checklist item serves multiple functions: it displays the state of multiple components, allows single interaction to control all components, and automatically updates when components change state. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate control operations with a single universal interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional sequential methods are used to configure multiple components, then individual component control is maintained, but the interaction volume and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of configuration processVSAvoidcomplexity of control interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple component control interfaces into a single consolidated checklist item, reducing the number of interactive elements the operator must manipulate. This consolidation simplifies the control interface while maintaining the ability to control multiple components, thereby improving productivity without increasing perceived complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual representation of multiple components within a single checklist item. This virtual consolidation allows the interface to appear simple while the underlying system maintains individual component control, effectively copying the functionality of multiple controls into a single simplified interface element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10466865B2Apparatus and methods for consolidating multiple entries in an electronic checklist system

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method includes displaying, on an electronic display, an electronic checklist. The method further includes determining whether the electronic checklist includes a checklist item associated with states of multiple components of a subsystem associated with the electronic checklist. The method further includes, based on determining that the electronic checklist includes the checklist item associated with the states of the multiple components, displaying, on the electronic display, a single option that is selectable to send control commands to the multiple components.