Universal Ejection Sequencer Using Harness Pin Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ejection seat systems require specific sequencers and wire harnesses for each aircraft and seat model, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for multiple unique parts and challenging maintenance and testing processes.
Innovation Solution
A universal sequencer that identifies the ejection seat and aircraft model through a wire harness with varying pin configurations, allowing a single part to be used across multiple systems, with programmable timing sequences for subsystems based on the identified models, enabling easy replacement and testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific sequencers are designed for each ejection seat and aircraft model, then the timing precision for subsystem activation is improved, but the device complexity and number of unique parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sequencer design that can be used across multiple ejection seat and aircraft models. The sequencer achieves model-specific timing by reading configuration data from the wire harness pin configuration rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each model. This allows a single sequencer unit to perform multiple functions across different aircraft types while maintaining precise timing control through software-based configuration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple unique sequencers and wire harnesses are used for different models, then the timing accuracy for each specific configuration is improved, but the ease of manufacture and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sequencer reads configuration parameters directly from the wire harness pin configuration, eliminating the need to manufacture different sequencer units for each model. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining model-specific timing accuracy through configurable software parameters stored in the wire harness or accessible via pin assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses configurable parameters stored in the wire harness or accessible through pin configurations to define timing characteristics for different ejection seat and aircraft models. By changing software parameters rather than hardware design, the system maintains timing accuracy across models while simplifying manufacturing and maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If model-specific sequencers are used, then the reliability for specific ejection configurations is improved, but the ease of repair and testing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sequencer can identify and adapt to different ejection seat and aircraft models through wire harness pin configuration detection. This maintains configuration reliability by ensuring the correct timing parameters are used for each model while dramatically improving ease of repair, as any sequencer can be used with any model by simply connecting to the appropriate wire harness configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequencer automatically identifies the correct configuration by reading the wire harness pin configuration without requiring manual intervention or pre-programming. This self-identification capability maintains reliability while simplifying maintenance, as the system automatically adapts to the connected configuration without requiring technician expertise in model-specific settings.
4Ease of operation
If a universal sequencer is used across multiple models, then the ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but the measurement precision for model-specific timings may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sequencer maintains model-specific timing precision by using configurable parameters that are read from or set based on the wire harness pin configuration. Different aircraft and seat models have different parameter sets, but the same physical sequencer hardware can load and execute the appropriate parameters dynamically, preserving timing precision while achieving operational simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A universal sequencer for an ejection seat may comprise a connector (130) defining a plurality of pin receptacles (134). A controller (150) may be electrically coupled to the connector. A tangible, non-transitory memory (152) may be configured to communicate with the controller. The tangible, non-transitory memory has instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the controller, cause the controller to perform operations, which may comprise determining an ejection seat or aircraft model and determining an ejection sequence based on the ejection seat or aircraft model determination.