Programmable Control Panel Dynamic Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft control panels are not interchangeable, leading to increased complexity, maintenance efforts, and the need for multiple spare units due to their specialized designs and functions, resulting in higher space and weight requirements and reduced efficiency in aircraft operations.
Innovation Solution
A programmable control panel system that assigns first and second level control functions based on the health and location of other control panels, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and interchanging of control functions, reducing the need for multiple spare units and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control panels are designed with specialized functions for specific systems and locations, then the control functionality and system reliability are improved, but the device complexity and number of different control unit types increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed with a programmable processor that can execute different control routines to perform multiple functions. The system includes a library of control routines that can be loaded and executed based on the required function, allowing a single control panel design to replace multiple specialized control units throughout the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel uses software configuration and programmable parameters to adapt its behavior to different functions and locations. The processor can be programmed with different control routines and parameters to suit specific system requirements, allowing the same hardware to function differently based on software configuration rather than physical redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of control units are used for different functions and locations, then the specific control requirements are met, but the maintenance effort and number of spare units required increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using identical programmable control panel designs throughout the aircraft, the system reduces the variety of control units that maintenance personnel must service. The programmable nature allows these universal panels to adapt to different functions through software rather than requiring different hardware designs, simplifying maintenance and spare parts inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses software copies of control routines that can be loaded onto identical control panel hardware. This allows the same physical control unit to be replicated in function across different locations through software programming rather than physical duplication of specialized hardware, reducing maintenance complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If control panels are designed with dedicated components and specialized layouts, then the control precision and system-specific functionality are improved, but the space and weight requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel uses a standardized, modular design with a programmable processor that can be configured for different functions through software. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized control panel variants, reducing the overall weight by removing redundant components and allowing identical lightweight panels to be used throughout the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different control precisions and functionalities by changing software parameters and control routines rather than physically redesigning control panels for each application. This allows the same hardware platform to be used across different systems, reducing weight while maintaining the required control precision through software configuration.
4Measurement precision
If specialized control panels are used for each system, then the system-specific control accuracy is improved, but the interchangeability and assembly efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel employs identical programmable units throughout the aircraft that can be configured for different functions through software. This universality allows control panels to be interchangeably installed in different locations during assembly, significantly improving assembly efficiency while maintaining required control accuracy through programmed parameters and routines.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing a programmable control panel for a vehicle. A number of first level control functions is assigned to the programmable control panel for the vehicle. A number of second level control functions is assigned to the programmable control panel based on a health of programmable control panels in the vehicle.