Data-Enabled Jumper Wire for In-Situ Cable Health Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic devices for electrical cables in aircraft are time-consuming, error-prone, and require manual data entry, lack scalability, and are not easily upgradable, leading to inefficiencies and potential degradation of cables during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A jumper wire with a data-storing element that automatically transmits test data to a test device, ensuring electrical interconnection and providing precise, reliable cable health assessments without manual data entry, and a diagnostic module that uses interchangeable jumper wires for various cable types, allowing easy upgrades and reducing the need for device updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data entry is used for cable identification, then the diagnostic device can operate with simple hardware, but the maintenance process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper wire automatically transmits cable identification data to the diagnostic device without requiring manual data entry by the operator. The data-storing element on the jumper wire self-services the data transmission function, eliminating the need for operators to manually input cable information and thereby increasing maintenance speed while reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical data entry process with an automated electronic data transmission system. The jumper wire uses electrical connections and data-bus communication to automatically transfer cable identification data, substituting the manual keyboard input mechanism and significantly improving maintenance efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diagnostic device includes all cable types, then complete coverage is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable identification system into two segments: the diagnostic device maintains a generic data structure and processing capability, while specific cable identification data is segmented and stored on individual jumper wires. This allows the main device to remain compact and easily upgradable, while still supporting multiple cable types through interchangeable jumper wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The jumper wire acts as an intermediary carrier that bridges the gap between the generic diagnostic device and specific cable types. Each jumper wire contains identification data for a particular cable type, allowing the diagnostic device to adapt to different cables without internal modification, thus maintaining versatility while keeping the device simple and upgradable.
3Measurement precision
If cable removal is performed for diagnosis, then accurate testing is possible, but time is lost and reassembly errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper wire serves as an intermediary testing component that allows diagnostic measurements to be performed on connected cables without removing them from the aircraft. The jumper wire interfaces with the cable connector while the other end connects to the diagnostic device, enabling in-situ testing that maintains diagnostic accuracy while eliminating time-consuming removal and reassembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A jumper wire for connecting an electrical cable to a test device with a view to diagnosing the state of health of the electrical cable. The jumper wire includes an output port configured to interact with an input port of the test device, an input connector configured to interact with a connector of the electrical cable, and a data-storing element that contains predetermined test data on the electrical cable and that is electrically connected to the output port by at least one data-transmitting wire. The data-storing element being is configured to deliver the test data to the test device.