Munition Module Interface Assemblies for Protocol Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication schemes for modules within munitions lack standardization, making it difficult to swap or upgrade modules, particularly affecting legacy equipment which is at risk of early obsolescence.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a standard computer network using a controller with interface assemblies that translate messages between different protocols, enabling communication among modules using a standard protocol like OSA over Ethernet, and allowing for the integration of legacy modules by providing a new interface assembly for new modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard computer network with protocol translation is implemented, then module interchangeability and ease of upgrading are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for interface assemblies and protocol translation capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule interchangeabilityVSAvoidinterface assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces interface assemblies as intermediary devices that translate between legacy serial bus protocols (RS-232, RS-422) and standard Ethernet protocols. These interface assemblies act as mediators that enable communication between legacy modules and the standardized network without requiring changes to the legacy modules themselves, thus improving interchangeability while managing complexity through standardized translation layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: legacy modules, interface assemblies with protocol translation capabilities, and the standardized Ethernet network. This segmentation allows legacy modules to remain unchanged while the interface assemblies handle the complexity of protocol translation, enabling module interchangeability without requiring every component to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If protocol translation interface assemblies are added to legacy modules, then legacy equipment obsolescence is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional interface components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegacy equipment service lifeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Interface assemblies serve as intermediaries that extend the service life of legacy equipment by enabling communication over standardized Ethernet networks. Instead of replacing entire legacy modules, the patent adds relatively simple interface assemblies that translate protocols, thereby preventing obsolescence at a lower cost than full module replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface assemblies are designed as relatively simple, potentially replaceable components that are less expensive than legacy modules themselves. This allows the system to extend legacy equipment life by adding inexpensive translation interfaces rather than investing in expensive legacy module replacements or complete system rewrites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If diverse proprietary protocols are used in different modules, then specific module functionality is optimized, but integration time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule functionalityVSAvoidintegration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal Ethernet-based communication standard that can interface with multiple different legacy protocols (RS-232, RS-422, and other proprietary protocols). This universality allows a single standardized network infrastructure to support diverse module functionalities without requiring custom integration for each protocol, significantly reducing integration time while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the communication parameter from diverse proprietary protocols to a single standardized Ethernet protocol for inter-module communication. Protocol translation interface assemblies handle the parameter conversion, allowing legacy modules to maintain their original communication characteristics while integrating into the standardized network, thus preserving functionality while reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11641411B2Interfacing modules of a munition to a standard munition network

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A technique of managing communications among multiple modules of a munition includes receiving, by a first module of the munition, a first set of messages from a second module of the munition. The first set of messages is received in a first protocol used for communicating among the modules of the munition over a computer network. The technique further includes translating, by an interface assembly of the first module, the first set of messages in the first protocol into a second set of messages in a second protocol. The second protocol is a native protocol of the first module and is different from the first protocol. The technique still further includes providing the second set of messages from the interface module to an operational component of the first module, the operational component then responding to the second set of messages for performing a function of the munition.