Input Device Reconfiguration Module for Inoperable Member Remapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Input devices in aircraft and spacecraft systems often experience failures, leading to incomplete functionality and operational issues when one or more input members become inoperable, necessitating a solution for continued system operation and reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a processor, memory, and a reconfiguration module to detect input member failures and automatically remap input functions to remaining operational members, ensuring continued functionality by reconfiguring the input device and displaying signals to maintain system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If input devices include multiple input members (buttons, joysticks, switches), then the device provides comprehensive input functionality, but the reliability decreases when one or more members fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting input member failures and automatically executing reconfiguration before the failure impacts operational reliability. The processor monitors input member status continuously and triggers automatic remapping of input functions to remaining operational members, ensuring continued system functionality without requiring manual intervention or immediate replacement.
2Ease of operation
If the input device provides complete functionality with multiple input members, then the ease of operation is improved, but the complexity increases when failures occur and reconfiguration is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The input device performs self-service by automatically detecting failures and reconfiguring its own input member mappings without requiring user intervention. The processor monitors input member status, identifies failures, and executes automatic remapping of input functions to remaining operational members, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration procedures and reducing operational complexity during failure scenarios.
3Reliability
If input members are designed for high reliability, then the failure rate decreases, but the adaptability to handle failures and maintain functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality by enabling remaining operational input members to perform multiple functions through automatic remapping. When input members fail, the processor redistributes input functions across remaining operational members, allowing a single operational member to handle multiple input roles and maintaining comprehensive system functionality despite reduced hardware availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an input device having first and second input members configured to be activated by a user. The input device is configured to generate activation signals associated with activation of the first and second input members, and each of the first and second input members are associated with an input function. A processor is coupled to the input device and configured to receive the activation signals. A memory coupled to the processor, and includes a reconfiguration module configured to store the input functions assigned to the first and second input members and, upon execution of the processor, to reconfigure the input functions assigned to the input members when the first input member is inoperable.