Interchangeable Modular Avionics Platform Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for modularly installing avionics equipment on aircraft are inefficient, as externally mounted equipment pods add bulk, reduce aircraft performance, and lack modularity, making them difficult to customize for various missions.
Innovation Solution
The development of interchangeable modular avionics platform assemblies that can be removably mounted within the aircraft's forward fuselage, featuring a frame structure with mounting pins and connectors, allowing for the integration of various avionics equipment with different dimensions, and an environmental cooling system, enabling easy customization and interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If avionics equipment is externally mounted on the aircraft, then modularity and ease of installation are improved, but aircraft performance deteriorates due to added bulk and reduced cruise speed
Solution Approach 1:
The avionics system is divided into separate modular units (equipment pods) that can be independently installed and removed. Each pod contains specific avionics equipment and can be mounted in external racks without affecting the core aircraft structure, enabling easy reconfiguration while minimizing impact on aircraft performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from internal mounting to external mounting by utilizing three-dimensional space outside the aircraft fuselage. External racks are mounted on the aircraft exterior, allowing avionics equipment to be positioned in a different spatial dimension that does not interfere with the aircraft's internal volume or aerodynamic profile.
2Quantity of substance
If avionics equipment is externally mounted, then storage space utilization is improved by using external stores, but aircraft performance deteriorates due to increased drag and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The external racks are designed with streamlined, aerodynamic fairings that enclose the avionics equipment. These flexible shell structures provide protective housing while maintaining smooth external contours that minimize aerodynamic drag, allowing efficient use of external storage space without significant performance penalty.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mounting assemblies are used, then installation is simplified, but modularity and customization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is designed as a universal interface system that can accommodate multiple types of avionics equipment through standardized mounting points and connection interfaces. The same basic mounting structure can secure different equipment pods for various missions (reconnaissance, electronic jamming, etc.), providing both installation simplicity and customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates quick-release mechanisms and adjustable components that allow rapid reconfiguration. Clamps and fasteners can be easily adjusted or removed to accommodate different equipment sizes and shapes, enabling dynamic adaptation to various mission requirements while maintaining simple installation procedures.
4Reliability
If equipment pods are designed for specific missions, then mission effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple specialized pods
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing completely different equipment pods for each mission type, the system uses standardized pod templates that can be quickly configured with different avionics equipment. The basic pod structure, mounting interface, and connection systems are copied and reused across multiple mission types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining mission-specific functionality through equipment selection rather than structural variation.
Data Source
AI summary
Internal interchangeable modular avionics platform assemblies and methods for removably mounting and interchanging modular avionics platforms within an aircraft. In some embodiments, modular avionics platform assemblies may include a modular avionics platform configured to support various avionics equipment, suitable for removable mounting within a forward fuselage, and interchangeable with a number of alternate platforms. A platform may include a frame structure, and mounting pins and a connector assembly disposed on the frame structure. The mounting pins may project outwardly from the frame structure to align with and detachably secure to corresponding airframe members of an aircraft when the frame structure is in a mounted position. The connector assembly may be disposed on the frame structure and have a plurality of connectors, including connectors for alternating current, direct current, and data. In some embodiments, the platform may also include an environmental cooling system disposed on the frame structure.