Integrated Flight Dispatch Decision Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft fault management relies on manual processes for decision-making and documentation, which is inefficient and lacks integration of real-time data, leading to suboptimal fault mitigation and dispatch capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system that procures onboard aircraft data, MEL constraints, and offboard flight plan information to provide holistic flight dispatch determinations, automating the transfer of discrepancy data and using avionic systems for real-time fault mitigation guidance without paper documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used for fault management and documentation, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to time-consuming manual data collection and documentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate systems (MEL constraints database, aircraft performance database, weather database, flight plan system, and maintenance management system) into an integrated decision support system. This consolidation allows automatic data exchange and eliminates manual processes, directly improving fault management efficiency while the integration complexity is managed through standardized interfaces and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it evaluates MEL constraints, calculates aircraft performance, checks weather conditions, modifies flight plans, and documents maintenance discrepancies. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate manual processes into a single automated system, improving productivity despite the increased system complexity.
2Reliability
If real-time data integration from multiple sources is implemented, then decision accuracy and reliability improve, but device complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that standardizes data from multiple sources (MEL constraints, aircraft performance data, weather information, flight plan details). This intermediary layer translates various data formats into a unified structure, enabling accurate real-time decision-making while managing the complexity of data integration through standardized interfaces and protocols.
3Loss of time
If automatic discrepancy recording and data transfer are implemented, then loss of time in documentation is reduced, but device complexity and automation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the integrated decision support system automatically records flight discrepancies, collects relevant data from onboard systems, and transfers maintenance information to the maintenance management system without requiring manual pilot input. This eliminates time-consuming manual documentation while the automation complexity is managed through predefined protocols and automated interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If comprehensive external data (weather, performance, flight plan) is integrated with MEL constraints, then ease of operation for pilots improves, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex integrated system into distinct functional modules: MEL constraint evaluation module, aircraft performance calculation module, weather assessment module, flight plan modification module, and documentation module. Each module handles specific data processing tasks independently, then integrates results to provide comprehensive guidance. This segmentation improves ease of operation by organizing information logically while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated system for providing minimum equipment decision support for an aircraft including means for procuring onboard aircraft data and providing a cockpit message. Minimum equipment list (MEL) constraints and offboard flight plan related information are procured. The onboard aircraft flight data, minimum equipment list constraints, and offboard flight plan related information are synthesized to enable holistic flight dispatch determinations within the current fault condition of the aircraft.