Aircraft Navigation Instrument Testing With Automated Value Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft navigation instrument testing systems are prone to human errors due to the need for manual reference to aircraft specifications and charts, leading to potential inaccuracies in determining whether the instruments meet manufacturer-defined tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A testing system with a database of predetermined values and error margins for various aircraft models, integrated with a test device to modify sensor states and a wireless interface for automated comparison and validation of instrument readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual reference to manufacturer specifications and charts is used, then the operator can verify instrument values, but human errors occur leading to potential inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the manufacturer specifications and charts in the form of a database stored in the test device. This digital copy contains predetermined values and acceptable margins of error for various aircraft models, allowing the system to automatically reference accurate specifications without relying on manual lookup by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of consulting charts and performing calculations with an automated electronic comparison system. The test device automatically compares measured instrument values against stored predetermined values and determines compliance without requiring manual intervention for verification.
2Productivity
If the operator manually compares test values to predetermined values, then verification can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The test device performs self-verification by automatically comparing measured values against stored predetermined values and determining compliance status without requiring continuous operator intervention. The system manages its own verification process, freeing the operator from manual comparison tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification operations with automated electronic comparison. The test device electronically compares measured instrument values against stored specifications and automatically determines compliance, eliminating the time-consuming manual process of consulting charts and calculating deviations.
3Reliability
If the operator reads and transcribes values manually, then verification can be performed, but errors in reading and transcribing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual reading and transcribing of values with automated electronic acquisition and comparison. The test device electronically obtains instrument values and automatically compares them against stored predetermined values, eliminating human errors in reading and transcribing while maintaining high data accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces human error by automating the comparison of instrument readings against manufacturer-defined standards, ensuring accurate and reliable testing of navigation instruments.
Implementation Method 1
By applying negative or positive pressure to Pitot tubes and/or static ports, it is possible to change the altitude reading displayed by the altimeter
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a test system (1) for at least one aircraft navigation instrument (3), said system comprising: - a test device (5) capable of being connected to at least one sensor on which the navigation instrument relies to provide a value, said test device being configured to test said sensor by changing its state; - a database comprising at least one predetermined value corresponding to a value to be provided by said navigation instrument when said test device changes the state of said at least one sensor associated with said navigation instrument.