Multi-interface LRU for Avionics Wire Route Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing line replaceable units (LRUs) in integrated modular avionics architectures face challenges in reducing unused interface hardware, which leads to weight and space penalties due to variable wire route numbers and segregation rules, making it difficult to design a common LRU that meets all requirements without excess hardware.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a multi-interface LRU design, where at least one input/output interface is electrically connected to pins of multiple connectors, allowing selective use of interface hardware across different connectors to match the number of interface hardware to the required wire route designations, thereby reducing the overall number of hardware needed and increasing flexibility in wire route connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common LRU design is provided with a larger number of interface hardware to accommodate variable wire route designations, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but weight and space penalties increase due to unused interface hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where the LRU can be selectively configured at different locations to use only the interface hardware needed for that specific location's wire route designations. The system includes a configuration data store that holds location-specific configuration data, and a processor that configures the LRU based on this data, enabling the same physical LRU to adapt its functional interfaces dynamically rather than requiring all interfaces to be permanently present
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal LRU design that can serve multiple different locations with different wire route requirements. By implementing software-based configuration and the ability to selectively activate different interface hardware based on location-specific needs, a single common LRU design becomes multi-functional, replacing the need for location-specific customized LRUs while avoiding the weight penalty of carrying all possible interfaces at all locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If integration panel is used to carry mixed wire route bundles, then the number of instances where LRU interface hardware is in use is increased, but weight and space penalties are incurred due to the integration panel itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing of wire route designations from the physical integration panel level and moves it to the logical/configuration level. Instead of physically integrating different wire route bundles through an additional panel, the system uses software configuration to logically mix and match wire route designations at the LRU's interface level, eliminating the need for the physical integration panel and its associated weight and space
3Weight of moving object
If reduced number of hardware interfaces is provided in commonly designed LRUs, then weight and space penalties are reduced, but the number of LRUs must be increased at specific locations where wire route interfaces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic interface activation where the LRU can selectively enable or disable different interface hardware based on configuration data specific to each location. This dynamic capability allows a single reduced-interface LRU design to effectively provide the necessary interfaces at any location by activating only what is needed, eliminating the need to increase the number of LRUs while maintaining weight efficiency
4Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke designed units are provided at wire route intensive locations, then sufficient wire route interfaces are available, but design and manufacturing costs increase and operational effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal LRU design that can be manufactured once and deployed to all locations, including wire route intensive locations. Through software-based configuration and selective interface activation, the same common LRU design adapts to meet the specific interface requirements of any location, eliminating the need for location-specific bespoke designs and their associated increased manufacturing costs and reduced operational effectiveness
Data Source
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AI summary
A line replaceable unit (LRU) for an integrated modular avionics (IMA) architecture, the LRU comprising at least one input/output interface and a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector includes at least one pin and each connector is adapted for connection to a single segregated wire route bundle, and wherein hardware of one interface is electrically connected within the LRU to one or more pins of each of at least two of the connectors. Also, an IMA architecture including the LRU, and an aircraft including the LRU or the IMA architecture.