Optical Data Bus Interfaces for Aircraft Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern aircraft data handling systems face challenges due to the weight and cost of redundant copper data busses and complex software required for reliable data transmission, which limits the removal of mechanical gauges despite advances in error correction protocols.

Innovation Solution

Implementing triple data transport redundancy using independently designed and manufactured optical data bus interfaces with a common data handling protocol, along with a shared data processor and image-based memory for information gauges to reduce weight and software reliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant copper data busses with error correction protocols are used, then data transmission reliability is improved, but aircraft weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces copper-based electrical data busses with optical data busses that use light transmission through optical fibers. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy copper wiring harnesses while maintaining data transmission reliability through the use of optical signals, directly addressing the weight-reliability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental transmission medium parameter from electrical conductors (copper) to optical conductors (optical fibers). This parameter change enables weight reduction while preserving reliability through the inherent properties of optical transmission, including immunity to electromagnetic interference and higher signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex software with error correction protocols is implemented, then data handling reliability is improved, but development and testing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata handling reliabilityVSAvoidsoftware development cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based error correction mechanisms with hardware-based optical transmission systems that inherently provide reliable data transmission. The optical data bus architecture with physical layer redundancy eliminates the need for complex software protocols, reducing development and testing costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple independent optical data bus interfaces that can be individually replaced or reset without affecting the entire system. This approach uses simpler, more cost-effective components that can be manufactured and tested more economically compared to complex software systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If mechanical information gauges are retained for reliability, then safety is improved, but aircraft weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display reliabilityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical information gauges with electronic display systems that receive data through optical data busses. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining information display reliability through the use of lightweight electronic displays coupled with the reliable optical transmission medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal optical data bus architecture that can serve multiple functions including data transmission to various display systems. This multi-functional approach allows a single lightweight optical infrastructure to support all information display needs, eliminating the need for separate mechanical gauge systems for different functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7482950B2Method and apparatus for handling data and aircraft employing same

Publication Date: 2009.01.27 WARRIOR IP 1

AI summary

These teachings present triple data transport redundancy in the form of three data bus interfaces that are each designed and manufactured independently from one another and compatible with a common data handling protocol. This protocol can be one that includes no error correction. These interfaces can each couple to a corresponding first, second, and third data bus that may comprise optical data busses. Information gauges can be realized through use a memory that stores a plurality of images comprising views of an information gauge (or gauges) of interest showing a variety of different readings. Upon receiving information regarding a monitored parameter of interest (via, for example, the aforementioned data busses and data bus interfaces), this information can be used to address the stored information gauge view that corresponds to the present parameter value. That particular view can be recalled and displayed to thereby provide the corresponding information to a viewer.