Flight Display Distributed Processing for Embedded AFCS Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS) require multiple cabinetry units, leading to size and weight issues due to the multiplexing of flight control functions in a common processor, which complicates integration and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flight display system with multiple processors communicatively coupled by an inter-processor communication bus, capable of executing AFCS functions and interfacing with aircraft actuators through a physical network interface, allowing for a line-replaceable unit configuration that reduces the need for additional cabinetry and enhances redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If flight control functions are multiplexed in a common processor housed in IPC cabinet and DMC, then processing capability is achieved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flight control system into distributed processing units integrated within flight display devices. Each flight display contains processors that independently execute flight control functions, eliminating the need for centralized IPC cabinets and DMC modules. This segmentation distributes processing capability across multiple lightweight display units, reducing overall system weight while maintaining processing power.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cabinetry units are used for AFCS functions, then functional separation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges flight control processing functions with flight display devices. Each flight display unit combines display functionality with embedded processors that execute flight control algorithms. This consolidation integrates multiple functions into unified devices, reducing the number of separate cabinetry units and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining functional separation through software modularization.
3Power
If processors are housed in centralized cabinets, then processing power is concentrated, but system reliability decreases due to single-point failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments processing power across multiple distributed flight display units, each containing independent processors. This distribution eliminates single-point failures by ensuring that if one display unit fails, other units continue to provide flight control functions. The segmented architecture provides inherent fault tolerance while maintaining sufficient processing power through parallel execution of control algorithms.
4Power
If additional cabinetry is installed for AFCS functions, then processing capability is enhanced, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges flight control processing functions into existing flight display devices, eliminating the need for additional dedicated cabinetry for AFCS functions. By integrating processors within display units that are already installed in the cockpit, the system enhances processing capability without requiring additional installation space. This approach utilizes existing physical infrastructure to accommodate enhanced computational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A flight display is described. The flight display includes a display screen, a physical network interface, and multiple processors. The flight display interfaces with the flight deck by way of the physical network interface. The display screen displays images representative of avionics data in response to signals generated by one or more of the processors. The processors also generate command signals causing an actuator of the aircraft to control a flight control surface or a throttle. In this regard, the one or more of the processors perform various automatic flight control system (AFCS) functions. A system is further described including multiple of the flight displays. By hosting the AFCS functions across processors of the multiple flight displays, a level of command integrity may be reached. Furthermore, backups flight displays are available to be reconfigured to perform the AFCS functions.