IFEC Wireless Network Avionics Data Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for aircraft data transmission require separate hardware devices like Aircraft Interface Devices (AIDs) for connecting to avionics systems, which add weight and increase fuel consumption, necessitating a solution for wireless data conversion to reduce hardware components.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing existing installed equipment like in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) systems with wireless access points to create a local area network that connects avionics data buses to electronic flight bags (EFBs) and cabin crew devices via WLAN 802.11 protocols, eliminating the need for conventional AIDs and enabling data transmission over wireless networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional Aircraft Interface Devices (AIDs) with wired Ethernet connections are used to connect avionics systems to EFBs, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but device weight increases and fuel consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidhardware device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data transmission function from the conventional wired AID hardware and relocates it to the existing IFEC system's wireless network infrastructure. This removes the need for separate AID hardware devices while maintaining data transmission capability through the wireless LAN already present in modern aircraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The IFEC system's wireless network infrastructure is made multi-functional by enabling it to handle both entertainment/communications traffic and avionics data transmission. This eliminates the need for dedicated AID hardware while utilizing existing system resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate AID hardware devices are installed for each avionics system connection, then data access reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavionics data accessVSAvoidsystem hardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the AID functionality with the existing IFEC system. The wireless access points and network infrastructure that already exist in the aircraft are combined to handle avionics data transmission, eliminating the need for separate AID devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The IFEC wireless network is designed to serve multiple purposes: passenger entertainment, crew communications, and avionics data access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems while maintaining reliable data access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If wired Ethernet connections are used for avionics data transmission, then connection stability is maintained, but ease of operation and mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddevice mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired Ethernet connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based communication system. This substitution maintains connection stability through protocol design while enabling crew mobility throughout the aircraft without physical cable constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If multiple separate hardware devices are installed throughout the aircraft for avionics access, then data access coverage is improved, but weight and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access coverageVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The existing IFEC wireless network infrastructure is utilized for avionics data transmission, making the system multi-functional. This approach provides aircraft-wide data access coverage through the established wireless network while avoiding the weight and fuel penalties of installing additional dedicated hardware devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11102302B2Conversion of aircraft data over wireless networks for flight deck and cabin airline applications

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 PANASONIC AVIONICS CORP

AI summary

An in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) system is configured to interconnect an avionics data bus to a local area network. An avionics interface is connectable to the avionics data bus, and receptive to avionics data transmitted on the avionics data bus by one or more avionics nodes over a predetermined protocol. A local network interface establishes the local area network, and portable electronic devices may be connectable to the local network interface over the local area network to establish a data communications link thereon. A data processor is connected to the avionics interface and the local network interface, and relays the avionics data from the avionics interface to the local network interface for transmission to the one or more portable electronics devices. This transmission is according to the predetermined protocol over the data communications link established on the local area network.