Modular Avionics Interface With Structural Network Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Avionics systems face challenges in operating in harsh environments, requiring high reliability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance, while also needing to address cyber security and cost-effectiveness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, applicable to aerospace and remote systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular avionics system with a novel interface and structural network device that allows for tight integration, rapid maintenance, and flexible mission changes, featuring mechanical, thermal, and electrical connections, and a structural network switch for power and data distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional avionics systems are designed for high reliability in harsh environments, then system durability is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The avionics system is divided into modular components that can be independently installed, removed, and maintained. Each module is self-contained with standardized interfaces, allowing mechanics to service individual components without disassembling the entire system, thus maintaining high reliability while reducing maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized mechanical, thermal, and electrical interfaces are designed to be universal across different avionics modules and platforms. This allows the same interface specifications to serve multiple functions and modules, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable operation across diverse applications.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If avionics systems are designed for long-term asset life, then durability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into replaceable modules with standardized interfaces. When a module requires maintenance or upgrade after years of service, it can be quickly swapped out without affecting other components, enabling long-term asset life while maintaining ease of maintenance through modular replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface specifications define standardized parameters for mechanical mounting, thermal management, and electrical connections that remain constant over the asset's lifetime. This standardization allows different generations of modules to be interchangeably installed, facilitating long-term durability while enabling easy maintenance and modernization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If avionics systems require flexibility for mission changes and modernization, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Universal interface specifications enable different avionics modules to be interchangeably installed on the same platform. This allows missions to be flexibly modified by swapping modules while maintaining the same physical infrastructure, improving adaptability without increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture with standardized interfaces creates a dynamic system where components can be easily added, removed, or upgraded based on mission requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to adapt to changing missions while the standardized interfaces keep overall complexity manageable.
4Volume of moving object
If tight integration of avionics modules is implemented, then system compactness is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses tightly integrated modular components with standardized interfaces. Each module is compact and self-contained, allowing tight integration within the vehicle while maintaining ease of maintenance through standardized mounting and connection interfaces that enable quick removal and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface specifications define local qualities at connection points (mechanical mounting features, thermal interfaces, electrical connectors) that enable tight integration where needed while maintaining standardization for ease of maintenance. The local interface design allows compact packaging without sacrificing serviceability.
Data Source
AI summary
Avionics systems are provided having an integration plate and a structural network switch. The structural network switch has module connection features. Avionics modules connect to the structural network switch by the module connection features. This allows for robust, multiplatform, modular avionics systems.