Integrated Vehicle Communications System Reducing SWaP-C

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern aircraft communications systems are burdened by high size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP-C) due to separate implementations of radios and datalink communications management systems, leading to increased complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The integration of baseband processing with datalink communications management systems and the separation of radio functions into a wideband remote radio system reduce SWaP-C by eliminating the need for standardized interfaces, allowing for a consolidated multichannel communications system that includes audio processing and optional management, monitoring, and reporting capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radios and datalink communications management system are implemented in separate systems, then standardized communications between them can be ensured, but size, weight, power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardized communicationsVSAvoidSWaP-C

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the datalink communications management system and radio into a single integrated communications system. The processor directly controls the radio hardware without requiring separate standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for separate LRUs while maintaining communication reliability through unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of repair

If radios and datalink communications management system are implemented in separate systems, then modular replacement is possible, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular replacementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration consolidates multiple separate LRUs into a single communications system, reducing the overall number of components that require management, installation, and maintenance. The unified architecture simplifies the system while retaining replaceability of the integrated unit itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized interfaces are implemented between datalink communications management system and radios, then interoperability is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the datalink communications management system and radio into a single unit with a processor that directly controls the radio hardware, the patent eliminates the need for standardized interfaces between separate components. This unified architecture reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining full communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3605852B1System and method for an integrated vehicle communications system

Publication Date: 2023.01.18 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

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AI summary

A communications system is provided. The communications system comprises: at least one wideband remote radio system each of which is configured to be coupled to at least one antenna; a baseband system coupled to each of the at least one wideband remote radio system; wherein at least one wideband remote radio system and the baseband system are in different locations of a vehicle; wherein the baseband system comprises a datalink communications management system and an audio processing system; and wherein the at least one wideband radio baseband system is coupled to the audio processing system and the datalink communications management system.