Modular Interface for Tactical Data Link Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interfacing a weapon system with tactical data links is challenging due to the complexity of interfaces, mixed operational and technical functions, and the need for frequent upgrades, leading to unreliable data links and increased costs, with existing solutions lacking modularity and allowing limited control for system designers.
Innovation Solution
A modular interface architecture separates operational and communication functions, using a data management assembly with two modules linked via a simplified transmission link, allowing translation between system and intermediate messages, and standard and intermediate messages, enabling scalable and reliable data transmission while maintaining system control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-piece DLP software is used to carry out all data link functions, then data link reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to proprietary interfaces and function mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DLP software into separate functional modules: operational functions module and data link management functions module. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed, tested, and maintained, reducing interface complexity while preserving reliability through specialized function handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts data link management functions from the operational functions, creating a separate module dedicated solely to data link protocols and communication. This extraction eliminates the mixing of concerns, simplifying the operational module interface while maintaining reliable data link operations in the dedicated management module.
2Ease of operation
If a DLP library is used requiring direct interfacing with the weapon system core, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as configuration management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct layers: the weapon system core, the operational functions module, and the data link management functions module. This segmentation enables independent configuration and adaptation of each layer without affecting others, improving both ease of operation at the core interface and adaptability in the management layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration management system where the data link management module can be independently updated and adapted to different standards and protocols. This dynamic approach allows the system to evolve and adapt to changing requirements while maintaining stable integration with the weapon system core.
3Device complexity
If monobloc solutions are used for data link interfacing, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates making it difficult to evolve with changing standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data link interface into separable modules that can be independently developed and updated. The operational functions module remains simple and stable, while the data link management functions module can be adapted to new standards, achieving both simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data link management functions module is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple data link standards and protocols. This multi-functional design allows the same module structure to adapt to evolving standards without requiring fundamental redesign, maintaining simplicity while enabling evolution.
4Device complexity
If operational and data link functions are mixed in the same interface, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to function interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements clear segmentation between operational functions and data link management functions into separate modules. This segmentation prevents function interference and conflicts, improving reliability by ensuring that operational logic and communication protocols are independently managed, while maintaining manageable complexity through modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts data link management functions from the operational functions, creating a dedicated module for protocol handling. This extraction eliminates potential conflicts between operational logic and communication protocols, enhancing reliability while preserving system simplicity through clear functional separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
- The interface (1) includes a modular type data management set (7), comprising a first module (8) and a second module (9) linked together via a transmission link (10), the transmission link (10) having a simplified standard based on the standard of the data transmission link (3), the first module (8) being linked to a network (4) of the weapon system (2) and configured to translate a system message, received from the network (4), into an intermediate message and to translate an intermediate message received via the transmission link (10) into at least one system message, the second module (9) being linked to a communication unit (5) and configured to encode an intermediate message received from the first module (8) into a standard message of the tactical data link (3) and to decode a standard message received and translate it into an intermediate message.