Parametrizable Aircraft Alert System Kernel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight management systems, particularly alert and procedures management systems, are complex and costly to develop and maintain due to their monolithic sequential code structure, making it difficult to adapt to changing operational needs and regulatory requirements without extensive software updates and re-certification.
Innovation Solution
A modular alerts and procedures management system is proposed, comprising a generic software kernel and a parameterization tool that converts a configuration file into a database of binary parameters, allowing for separate validation and parameterization of each software engine within the system, enabling flexible adaptation to operational needs without recompiling programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monolithic sequential code structure is used for the alerts management system, then the system can be developed and certified according to traditional aviation standards, but the system becomes complex and expensive to maintain and adapt to changing operational needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alerts management system into a certified software kernel and separate parameterizable modules. The software kernel contains the core safety-critical functions that require certification, while operational parameters and procedures are separated into configurable modules that can be modified without re-certification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through certified core functions while reducing maintenance complexity through modular parameterization.
2Reliability
If the alerts management system is developed as a monolithic sequential code, then certification can be obtained, but extensive software updates and re-certification are required to adapt to changing operational needs and regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic parameterization capabilities that allow the system to adapt to changing operational needs without altering the certified software kernel. Configuration parameters, procedure definitions, and operational thresholds can be dynamically modified through the parameterizable modules, enabling the system to respond to regulatory changes and operational requirements while maintaining the integrity of the certified core.
3Reliability
If traditional monolithic code structure is used, then the system can be implemented, but software development and certification time are lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary certification of the software kernel independently of specific operational parameters. By certifying the core safety-critical functions once and separating them from parameterizable operational modules, the system eliminates the need for repeated full-system certification when operational requirements change. This preliminary action on the kernel reduces development and certification time for subsequent adaptations.
4Reliability
If the system is designed as a monolithic code, then it can be certified, but extensive re-development is required to adapt to different aircraft models and operator-specific needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables adaptation to different aircraft models and operator needs through parameter changes in the configurable modules rather than code modifications. The software kernel remains invariant and certified, while parameters such as alert thresholds, procedure definitions, and operational criteria can be adjusted to match specific aircraft configurations and operator requirements. This parameter-based adaptation significantly improves ease of system configuration and deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
An alerts and procedures management system for an aircraft comprises a software kernel aboard the aircraft and a parameterization tool for the software kernel, which comprises a conversion module for converting a configuration file describing an operational need of the system into a database of binary parameters which is able to parameterize the software kernel. The software kernel comprises at least four elementary cells: a first cell for acquiring aircraft signals, a second cell for characterizing state variables of the aircraft, a third cell for computing at least one separate event, a fourth cell for scheduling the separate events for communication with the crew; each of the cells comprising a software engine parameterizable by the database.


