Decentralized Aircraft Control Panel Layout for Multi-Subsystem Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle systems, the use of dedicated, centrally located control panels for each subsystem limits flexibility, increases complexity, and consumes valuable space, while also adding weight and reducing operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized control panel architecture utilizing a controller with processing power and wireless/wired links to manage and monitor multiple subsystems, allowing input and output devices to communicate in different formats and enabling remote access through portable devices, thus eliminating the need for multiple controllers and reducing physical space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated control panels are used for each subsystem, then each system can be controlled independently, but the overall system complexity increases and space requirements multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dedicated control panels into a single integrated control panel that can manage multiple subsystems. The controller includes a processor that can receive inputs from and send outputs to various subsystems (lighting, HVAC, entertainment, etc.) through a unified interface, thereby reducing the number of separate control devices while maintaining independent control capability for each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control panel is designed with universal functionality to handle diverse subsystems. The processor can interpret different input formats from various subsystems and generate appropriate control signals for different output devices, making a single control panel capable of performing the functions previously requiring multiple specialized panels.
2Ease of operation
If control panels are centrally located, then all controls are in one place, but flexibility during planning and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a centralized control panel and distributed subsystems throughout the vehicle. The control panel can be positioned flexibly while maintaining communication with various subsystems through wired or wireless connections, allowing installation adaptability while preserving centralized control functionality.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated control panels are installed, then each subsystem can be monitored independently, but valuable vehicle space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control panels are merged into a single integrated unit that consolidates the monitoring and control functions for all subsystems. This single control panel occupies significantly less space than multiple separate panels while maintaining the ability to independently monitor and control each subsystem through its processor-based architecture.
4Reliability
If dedicated control panels are used for each system, then each panel can be optimized for its specific system, but the overall weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate control panels are combined into a single integrated control panel with a processor that can handle various subsystems. This consolidation reduces the total weight by eliminating redundant hardware while maintaining system-specific control optimization through software-based configuration and processing for each subsystem type.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein that utilize a decentralized control panel architecture to monitor or control components or (sub-)systems of an aircraft or other vehicle. A controller can be used to receive information from multiple input sources and send a command to one or more output devices based on the received information. The received information may be of different types or formats that can be read by the controller. The controller may cause a visual or physical change to an actuator based on the command. One or more control panel entities can be communicatively coupled with the controller and used to access information about one or more (sub-)systems of the vehicle and send commands where appropriate.