Electronic Equipment Operating-Level Mapping for Fault Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for maintaining electronic equipment in communication, navigation, and identification systems on moving carriers are inadequate for addressing random malfunctions, as they do not provide detailed reasons for malfunctions or allow for optimized operation based on specific conditions of use.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of electronic equipment with a calculation processor and memory unit that stores and uses a map of operating levels as a function of equipment usage conditions, allowing for alerts and adjustments to optimize performance, and a method for generating and utilizing this map to improve equipment performance by distinguishing between malfunctions caused by equipment issues and environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If basic self-test functions are used to ensure equipment safety, then equipment reliability is improved by prohibiting use of malfunctioning equipment, but loss of information occurs because no additional information about malfunction reasons is provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment safetyVSAvoidmalfunction reason information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the results of basic self-tests are fed back into a diagnostic system that analyzes the malfunction reasons and provides detailed information to operators. This feedback loop transforms the simple GO/NO-GO output into actionable diagnostic data without compromising the safety function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic system is segmented into multiple independent modules: a basic self-test module for safety verification, a diagnostic analysis module for determining malfunction reasons, and an information presentation module for providing detailed feedback to operators. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally while working together to resolve the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If predictive maintenance is implemented based on mechanical wear patterns, then productivity is improved by replacing equipment before failure, but device complexity increases due to the need for collecting and analyzing operational data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment availabilityVSAvoiddata collection and analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic equipment performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring of its operational parameters. The system automatically collects data about its own functioning conditions, environmental factors, and performance metrics, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems and reducing overall device complexity while enabling predictive maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent monitors changes in operational parameters such as temperature, signal strength, and processing speed to detect early signs of degradation. By tracking parameter variations over time rather than relying on complex mechanical wear models, the system achieves predictive maintenance with simpler instrumentation suited for electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If predictive maintenance is used for electronic components, then reliability is improved by anticipating failures, but measurement precision deteriorates because electronic malfunctions are random rather than predictable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailure prediction accuracyVSAvoidmalfunction predictability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wear-based prediction models with electronic parameter monitoring and analysis. Instead of relying on predictable mechanical degradation patterns, the system uses computational algorithms to analyze electronic signal characteristics, temperature variations, and operational patterns to detect anomalies indicative of impending electronic failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary diagnostic layer that sits between the electronic components and the maintenance decision-making process. This intermediary analyzes multiple parameters and uses pattern recognition to bridge the gap between random electronic malfunctions and predictable maintenance scheduling, improving reliability measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3743778B1Enhancing the performance of electronic devices
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 THALES SA
  • EP3743778B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3743778B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3743778B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an enhanced-performance electronic device (6) comprising at least one computer processor (14) and at least one memory unit (16). This device stores a map (20) of operating levels according to at least one parameter that is representative of a condition of use of said device, comprising a nominal operating level and at least one degraded or enhanced operating level. The device (6) is suitable for receiving at least one value of a parameter that is representative of a condition of use of said device, determining, on the basis of said stored map, an operating level that is associated with said parameter value, and, if the determined operating level is a degraded operating level, transmitting an alert. The invention also relates to a method for enhancing the performance of an associated electronic device.