Modular Avionic Control Loop Stacks for Rapid Certification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for avionic circuit board assemblies in modular control loop applications require lengthy and costly re-certification processes, especially when configuring or reconfiguring these assemblies, which hampers the development of efficient and lightweight systems for safety-critical applications like Urban Air Mobility and Unmanned Arial Vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A modular stacked control application system where previously certified circuit board assemblies can be combined without the need for re-certification, with a top-level unit providing power and interfaces, allowing each additional unit to operate independently and identify its position and function within the stack, enabling efficient assembly and reducing the complexity of the certification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If previously certified circuit board assemblies are combined in new configurations, then system adaptability and reusability are improved, but certification complexity and time increase due to re-certification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the avionics assembly into independent certified units (top-level unit and additional units) that can be combined in different configurations. Each unit is pre-certified independently, allowing modular recombination without requiring re-certification of the entire system, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and certification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The top-level unit is designed with universal interfaces and power distribution capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of additional units. This multi-functional design enables a single certified top-level unit to work with various additional units, improving adaptability while avoiding the need for re-certification since the top-level unit's certification already covers its universal interface capabilities.
2Reliability
If comprehensive certification processes are applied to all system configurations, then system reliability is improved, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additional units are pre-certified individually before being integrated into the final system. This preliminary certification action ensures that each unit meets safety standards independently, allowing the top-level unit to assemble and configure systems quickly without needing to re-certify the entire configuration, thus maintaining reliability while accelerating development.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized certified units that can be replicated and reused across different applications. Instead of creating and certifying custom hardware for each application, the same certified additional units are deployed, maintaining reliability through consistent certification while significantly improving development productivity through reuse.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-tailored circuit board assemblies are designed for specific applications, then system functionality is optimized, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality into standardized additional units with specific functions (e.g., communication, power, I/O). Instead of designing custom assemblies for each application, the top-level unit combines these standardized segments, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining application-specific functionality through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows configuration of different numbers and types of additional units based on application requirements. By changing the parameters of configuration (number of units, which units are selected) rather than redesigning the hardware architecture, the system achieves application-specific functionality without increasing manufacturing complexity, as the same standardized units are used across all configurations.
4Reliability
If all components and connections are manually configured and programmed, then system reliability is ensured, but assembly time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additional units automatically identify themselves to the top-level unit upon insertion, providing self-configuration capabilities. This self-service approach ensures configuration accuracy through automatic detection and setup, while significantly reducing assembly time and manual labor requirements compared to manual configuration of each component and connection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a control loop application system, the system comprises a number of units of electronic circuit boards arranged in a stacked configuration. The system further comprises a top-level unit (520, 620) and at least one additional unit (521-524), the top-level unit (520) having components such that the top-level unit is able to perform as a standalone unit and the at least one additional unit (521-524) having components needed to perform at least one specific function for which the at least one additional unit (521-524) is designed. The invention further relates to a method to determine the number of additional units (521-524) in the control loop application system, the position of the additional units (521-524) in the control loop application system. The invention also relates to a method to compile the control loop application system and to use pre-certified units in the control loop application system.