Non-Intrusive Data Pipe for Legacy Aircraft Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy aircraft systems require costly and time-consuming modifications or updates to add new functionality, as existing systems and wiring need to be altered, making it difficult to integrate new applications and access data efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A data access system that includes a data access module which simulates user interactions to request information from aircraft systems, allowing new applications to access data without modifying existing hardware or software, using a mode control module, protocol determination module, and data communication module to generate and verify requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new functionality is added to legacy aircraft by modifying existing systems or wiring, then the desired functionality is achieved, but the cost and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data pipe as an intermediary component that connects new applications to existing aircraft systems without requiring modifications to either the legacy systems or the new applications. The data pipe acts as a mediator that receives data from source systems and delivers it to requesting applications, enabling new functionality to be added while avoiding direct modifications to existing wiring or software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data access architecture into distinct components: source systems, data pipes, and requesting applications. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, modified, and maintained independently. The data pipe is divided into source-specific data pipes and application-specific data pipes, enabling modular integration of new functionality without affecting existing systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new functionality is added by modifying FMS software or display software, then the new application can be integrated, but the complexity and cost of modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data pipe serves as an intermediary layer between existing aircraft systems and new applications, eliminating the need to modify FMS or display software. The data pipe handles all data access and communication logic, allowing new applications to integrate with legacy systems through a standardized interface without increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of data access pathways through software-based data pipes that replicate the functionality of physical wiring connections. These software data pipes provide the same data transmission capabilities as hardware wiring but can be configured and modified without physical changes, reducing integration complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing wiring is updated to support new systems, then new functionality is achieved, but the cost and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wiring with software-based data pipes that perform the same data transmission function. Instead of physically updating aircraft wiring to support new systems, the invention uses virtual data pathways that can be configured through software, dramatically simplifying the integration process and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The data pipe acts as a mediator between existing aircraft systems and new applications, providing a standardized interface that simplifies integration. Rather than modifying existing wiring or systems to accommodate new functionality, the data pipe intermediary handles all communication needs, making system integration straightforward and cost-effective.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for accessing data in a networked system. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving a request for information from a first system; evaluating a display system to determine a communication request to be generated to obtain the information; and generating a request to a second system based on the communication request.