Flexible Deterministic Communications Network for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft and vehicle systems require separate deterministic and non-deterministic communications networks for vehicle management and mission management, leading to increased weight, expense, and maintenance complexity, necessitating a more efficient communication solution that can support both systems.
Innovation Solution
A flexible deterministic communications network that configures static and dynamic virtual channels to enable communication between vehicle management system (VMS) and mission management system (MMS) nodes, using static deterministic messages and dynamic non-deterministic messages respectively, with a data distribution service layer and abstraction layer to manage message transmission and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate deterministic and non-deterministic communications networks are used for VMS and MMS, then communication reliability and performance are maintained, but vehicle weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate deterministic (ARINC 664) and non-deterministic (Ethernet) communications networks into a single flexible deterministic network that can dynamically adapt to handle both types of traffic. This consolidation eliminates the need for dual separate network infrastructures, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining the reliability requirements for both VMS and MMS communications through a unified network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible deterministic network is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both static deterministic messaging (for VMS) and dynamic non-deterministic messaging (for MMS) within the same infrastructure. This multi-functional capability allows a single network to replace what would traditionally require two separate networks, thereby reducing weight and complexity.
2Reliability
If separate deterministic and non-deterministic communications networks are used for VMS and MMS, then communication performance is maintained, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining separate VMS and MMS communication networks into one flexible deterministic network, the patent reduces the number of network components, protocols, and configuration management requirements. This merger simplifies the overall system architecture while preserving the performance characteristics of both deterministic and non-deterministic communications through a unified switching fabric and protocol handling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The network employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow it to adapt its behavior based on traffic requirements. The switching fabric can dynamically allocate resources and adjust transmission parameters to handle both time-critical VMS messages and flexible MMS messages, reducing complexity by eliminating the need for static, dedicated network configurations.
3Weight of moving object
If a flexible deterministic communications network is implemented to support both VMS and MMS, then weight and maintenance costs are reduced, but message transmission reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible deterministic network segments traffic into different virtual channels based on priority and timing requirements. Critical VMS messages are assigned to dedicated high-priority channels with deterministic guarantees, while MMS traffic uses lower-priority channels. This segmentation ensures that consolidation does not compromise the reliability of time-critical communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary switching fabric with intelligent message routing and priority arbitration mechanisms. This intermediary component mediates between different message types, ensuring that deterministic messages receive guaranteed delivery and timing, while non-deterministic messages are handled efficiently when resources are available, thus maintaining overall transmission reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If static and dynamic virtual channels are used in the flexible deterministic network, then communication versatility is improved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network implements dynamic virtual channel allocation where channel configurations can be automatically adjusted based on traffic demands and priority levels. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different communication scenarios without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby maintaining versatility while managing complexity through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible deterministic network incorporates self-configuration capabilities where the switching fabric automatically manages virtual channel creation, allocation, and teardown based on message routing requirements. This self-service approach reduces the burden on system operators and simplifies configuration management while maintaining high communication versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system onboard a vehicle may include a vehicle management system (VMS) and a mission management system (MMS). The VMS may include a plurality of VMS nodes for controlling operation of the vehicle. The MMS may include a plurality of MMS nodes for controlling equipment associated with a mission of the vehicle. The system may also include a flexible deterministic communications network. The flexible deterministic communication network may be configurable for communications between each of the VMS nodes, between each of the MMS nodes and between the VMS nodes and the MMS nodes. The VMS nodes communicate using static, deterministic messages and the MMS nodes communicate using dynamic, non-deterministic messages.