Configurable Modular Cards for Flight Simulator Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight simulators are inflexible and require multiple dedicated cards for specific functionalities, making them costly and inefficient to maintain, as each card can only perform a single function and must be replaced if faulty, leading to downtime and high replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A configurable simulator system utilizing modular cards with configurable input/output units and power supply circuits, controlled by a simulation controller that can reconfigure and replace faulty cards dynamically, allowing each card to perform multiple functions and adapt to different simulation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated cards are used for specific functionalities, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal card architecture where each card can be dynamically configured to perform multiple different functionalities. The simulation controller can assign different simulation functions to any available card, allowing a single card to replace multiple dedicated cards. This universal design maintains reliability through consistent hardware standards while achieving adaptability through software-based functional assignment.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated cards are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple dedicated cards into a single universal card platform. Instead of having separate physical cards for different simulation functions, the system uses one or more universal cards that can be reconfigured via software to perform any required function. This consolidation reduces the total number of cards needed while maintaining system reliability through the controller's ability to manage and monitor card operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated cards are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of cards through software configuration rather than requiring physical redesign. When a card needs to serve a different function or when replacing a faulty card, the system modifies the software parameters and configuration settings rather than manufacturing new specialized hardware. This approach maintains the precision needed for different simulation functions while dramatically improving ease of repair through software-based reconfiguration and standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a configurable simulator with testing capabilities, comprising a simulation controller and a plurality of configurable modular cards. The simulation controller determines configuration parameters of the cards and exchanges configuration messages with the cards. The simulation controller also receives and processes test notifications from the cards. Each card comprises a configurable input/output unit comprising a plurality of configurable inputs and outputs, and a power supply comprising a plurality of configurable power supply circuits. The input/output unit exchanges configuration messages with the simulation controller and sends the test notification. Each card further comprises a processor for configuring the configurable input/output unit, and the power supply. The processor also executes a simulation code to implement a functionality of the simulator. The processor further tests the input/output unit and the power supply, monitors the execution of the simulation code, and generates the test notification based on test results.