Aircraft Hybrid Cockpit Control Panel Digital Bus Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft cockpit control panels rely on extensive point-to-point copper wiring, leading to increased weight, space occupation, and limited communication capabilities between pilot operating devices and aircraft components, hindering effective data communication and processing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a digital signal processing block that transforms electrical control variable signals into digital aircraft component control signals for communication on a central bus, eliminating the need for individual wire connections and enabling enhanced digital control and communication with aircraft components and flight computers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point copper wiring is used for connecting cockpit control panel to electrical loads, then reliable control signal transmission is achieved, but aircraft weight increases significantly and cockpit space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical point-to-point copper wiring system with a digital communication bus system. Instead of using physical copper wires to transmit control signals from the cockpit control panel to electrical loads, the invention uses a digital communication network that transmits data electronically, thereby eliminating the need for extensive copper wiring and reducing aircraft weight while maintaining reliable control signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital communication bus as an intermediary between the cockpit control panel and electrical loads. This communication bus acts as a mediator that enables signal transmission without requiring direct point-to-point copper wire connections, thus reducing weight while ensuring reliable control signal delivery through digital communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If point-to-point copper wiring is used for connecting cockpit control panel to electrical loads, then control signals can be transmitted to electrical loads, but cockpit space is occupied and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the extensive copper wiring infrastructure with a compact digital communication bus system. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky wire bundles and connection points that occupy cockpit space, while maintaining the capability to transmit control signals from the cockpit control panel to electrical loads through electronic data transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cockpit control panel with discrete electrical components is used, then individual control of electrical loads is achieved, but communication with flight computer and data processing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital communication bus that serves multiple functions: it transmits control signals from the cockpit control panel to electrical loads, enables bidirectional communication with the flight computer, and provides data processing capabilities. This multi-functional communication infrastructure replaces the limited point-to-point wiring system, allowing the cockpit control panel to both control individual electrical loads and exchange data with the flight computer through the same digital network.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid electronics cockpit control panel system architecture is provided that includes optimized interfacing and partitioning. The architecture includes a digital function block with a digital signal processor and digital communication capabilities. The architecture also includes integrated cockpit control panels that employ a printed circuit board to avoid wire/cable connections for cockpit control panel components beyond the face panel. The architecture provides digital control and communication along a central communication bus that can eliminate the need for dedicated wire connections between the control panel and the electrical components throughout the aircraft, reducing weight and volume. One example aircraft cockpit control panel system includes a control signal processor that receives electrical control signals from pilot operating devices on the control panel and transforms them into digital status signals for communication on a communication bus. In another example aircraft cockpit control panel system, the control signal processor transforms the electrical control signals into digital control signals that are communicated to aircraft components. In another example aircraft cockpit control panel system, signals from a first control signal processor are passed through at least a second control signal processor to provide a redundant circuit path.