Integrated Communication Application System for Aircraft Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft data communication and management systems lack simplicity and efficiency, particularly in facilitating communication between aircraft and ground-based stations, and in managing various onboard functions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated communication and application system (ICAS) utilizing multipurpose portable electronic devices, such as wireless-enabled touch-sensitive tablets, which receive data from an aircraft data integration device and manage onboard functions, allowing for real-time data communication and application execution, including runway braking condition and turbulence indexing, passenger distribution, and cargo management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional separate systems are used for aircraft data communication and application management, then system reliability is maintained, but device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate communication systems (ACARS, Wi-Fi, cellular) and application management systems into a single integrated communication and application system (ICAS). This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate systems while maintaining all required functions, directly improving operational efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ICAS is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple communication protocols (VHF, satellite, Wi-Fi, cellular) and supports various applications (electronic flight bag, passenger information, cargo management) through a single system architecture. This multi-functionality allows one system to replace multiple specialized systems, improving productivity while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate communication systems are deployed, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation and system management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ICAS provides a unified interface for managing multiple communication systems, allowing operators to control ACARS, Wi-Fi, and cellular communications through a single system rather than managing each separately. This universal management approach significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining the reliability of individual communication channels through their dedicated hardware paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The ICAS acts as an intermediary layer between the operator and multiple communication systems. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies operations while maintaining reliable connections to each underlying communication system, effectively mediating between the need for simple operation and the requirement for reliable multi-channel communication.
3Reliability
If Class 3 EFB devices with full airworthiness certification are used, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments applications into different categories: safety-critical applications (Type C) that require Class 3 certification, and non-safety-critical applications (Type A and B) that can run on simpler Class 1 or Class 2 devices. This segmentation allows the aircraft to use highly reliable certified systems only where absolutely necessary, while using simpler, more flexible devices for other functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity and certification burden.
Solution Approach 2:
Different levels of certification and system complexity are applied locally based on the specific requirements of each application. Safety-critical functions receive full Class 3 certification and robust Class 3 devices, while non-critical functions use simpler Class 1 or Class 2 devices. This localized approach to quality and certification ensures reliability where needed without unnecessarily increasing device complexity and cost across the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transferring aircraft data from an aircraft to a portable electronic device entails receiving at the portable electronic device the aircraft data from a data connection with an aircraft data source without writing data back to the aircraft or from a user interface while being capable of receiving aircraft data via the data connection and executing an application on the portable electronic device using the aircraft data to present new information about the aircraft or its operating environment that is not available for display on a cockpit display but which is displayable on the portable electronic device based on the aircraft data received by the portable electronic device.