Flight Display AFCS Architecture With Distributed Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS) designs rely on multiplexing flight control functions in a common processor, requiring large and heavy cabinets, which is inefficient in terms of size and weight considerations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automatic flight control system architecture where AFCS functions are executed by processors integrated into a flight display as a line-replaceable unit (LRU), eliminating the need for separate cabinets and allowing for scalable redundancy and integrity through multiple flight displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If flight control functions are multiplexed in a common processor housed in separate cabinets, then processing capability is achieved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the Automatic Flight Control System functions with the flight display unit into a single integrated device. The flight display processor executes both display functions and AFCS functions, eliminating the need for separate processing cabinets. This merging of functions into the flight display unit directly reduces the weight and size of the aircraft system while maintaining full processing capability for flight control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate cabinets are used to host AFCS functions, then functional separation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight display unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the display interface for flight information and the processing unit for Automatic Flight Control System functions. The single processor executes both display rendering and flight control algorithms, making the system more versatile while reducing complexity by eliminating separate dedicated cabinets for AFCS processing.
3Reliability
If AFCS functions are distributed across multiple flight displays, then redundancy and integrity are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the AFCS processing capability across multiple flight display units, with each display capable of independently executing AFCS functions. This segmentation provides redundancy and integrity improvements because if one flight display fails, another can continue to provide flight control functions. The modular architecture allows the system to maintain reliability while managing complexity through standardized, replaceable units.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flight display (100) is described. The flight display includes a display screen (102), a physical network interface (106), and multiple processors (110). 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 (306) 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 (200) 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.