On-board Communications Hub for Universal Aircraft Data Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for streaming aircraft data in real-time are limited and costly, primarily relying on satellite communications and VHF radio frequency, which do not provide an affordable means for accumulating and disseminating data during flight, hindering immediate life-saving measures, search and rescue efforts, and predictive maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A universal wireless in-flight data streaming system, the On-board Communications Hub, integrates with the aircraft's digital flight data recorder system, utilizing multiple transmission methods like UHF, SATCOM, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi to transmit critical data to crowd-sourced receivers for real-time or near-real-time dissemination, reducing costs and enhancing data accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite communications and VHF radio frequency are used for real-time aircraft data streaming, then data transmission capability is improved, but cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple communication interfaces (SATCOM, VHF, UHF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) that can function independently or in combination, allowing the aircraft to use expensive satellite communication only when necessary while relying on cheaper alternatives for routine data transmission, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different communication methods based on flight phase, data priority, and cost considerations, transitioning from expensive satellite communication during critical phases to cheaper ground-based communication during stable flight, optimizing the balance between reliability and cost
2Loss of information
If data is stored in the digital flight data recorder, then data availability is improved, but data retrieval time increases in case of emergency
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously transmits data during flight to ground receivers and servers in advance, so that when an emergency occurs, the data is already available at ground facilities without requiring physical retrieval from the aircraft, significantly reducing response time while maintaining data availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces ground-based receivers and servers as intermediaries between the aircraft's data recorder and investigators, allowing data to be accessed remotely through these intermediary systems rather than requiring direct physical access to the aircraft's black box, thus eliminating retrieval delays
3Productivity
If multiple transmission methods are used for data streaming, then data dissemination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data transmission function into separate modular interfaces (SATCOM module, VHF module, UHF module, Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module), each handling a specific communication protocol, which allows independent implementation and maintenance of each transmission method while working together to achieve comprehensive data dissemination
Solution Approach 2:
The On-board Communications Hub serves as a universal platform that integrates multiple communication interfaces and protocols, providing a single device that can perform various transmission functions depending on flight conditions and data priority, thereby achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
To facilitate wireless, near real time, in-flight data collection this system and method presents a solution to universal aircraft data transmission and retrieval. The subject apparatus and corresponding system will be capable of universally integrating into thousands of aircraft globally regardless of type, model or series: an affordable alternative method of streaming critical flight data parameters in near real-time. This service will benefit maintenance providers, airports, aircraft lessors, airlines, airline operations centers, and government agencies such as the FAA, NTSB, and NWS, etc. The subject system, method and apparatus will not replace current aircraft flight data recorder systems, but rather integrate into them and enhance their capabilities while reducing the costs industry-wide.