Onboard Flight Test Processing System Automatic Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard flight test systems are vulnerable to hardware and software failures in General purpose Onboard Computers, leading to potential test interruptions and significant costs due to their sensitivity and inability to automatically reconfigure in case of failures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising standard interchangeable UNIX computers connected via an Ethernet network, with identical software modules for monitoring and managing computer tasks, allowing for automatic reconfiguration based on a shared strategies file that describes all configurations and tasks, ensuring continuous operation even in case of computer failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard interchangeable computers are used in onboard flight test systems, then system adaptability and ease of repair are improved, but hardware reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the computer group into independent, interchangeable units that can operate autonomously. Each computer is a separate segment that can be individually monitored, managed, and replaced without affecting the entire system, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining overall system reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by redistributing tasks across available computers when failures occur. The load balancing mechanism adjusts the workload distribution in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing hardware availability while maintaining continuous operation.
2Power
If general purpose onboard computers are used, then computing power and processing capability are improved, but system reliability worsens due to vulnerability to hardware and software failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements prior cushioning by maintaining redundant computers in standby or active states, ready to immediately take over if a failure occurs. This pre-prepared redundancy cushions against failures, ensuring continuous operation without interruption to flight test activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs continuous feedback mechanisms where computers monitor each other's status in real-time. When a failure is detected, the feedback loop triggers automatic load redistribution and task migration to healthy computers, maintaining system reliability while preserving computing power through dynamic resource allocation.
3Ease of repair
If computers are made interchangeable with identical software, then ease of repair and maintenance are improved, but system complexity increases due to need for monitoring and reconfiguration mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
All computers in the group are made universal with identical software and interchangeable hardware configurations. Each computer can perform any task assigned to the group, eliminating the need for specialized configurations and simplifying maintenance while the monitoring mechanisms manage the complexity of coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic monitoring and self-reconfiguration capabilities. When a computer fails, the remaining computers automatically detect the failure, redistribute loads, and reconfigure tasks without external intervention, reducing the complexity of manual management while maintaining ease of repair.
4Loss of time
If automatic reconfiguration is implemented, then loss of time due to failures is reduced, but device complexity increases due to monitoring and reconfiguration systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring all computers with identical software and establishing monitoring relationships before failures occur. This preparation enables immediate automatic reconfiguration when failures happen, minimizing downtime while the pre-established structures reduce the complexity of real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary monitoring mechanisms that mediate between computers and coordinate automatic reconfiguration. These intermediaries manage the complexity of communication and coordination, enabling fast failure response without requiring direct complex interactions between all system components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for onboard processing of flight tests, which includes a group of standard interchangeable computers connected to an Ethernet network identical software being installed on each computer.