Radio System Mode Switching for Automatic Maintenance Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Maintaining radio devices in a radio system, such as those used for air traffic control, is difficult and time-consuming due to the need for manual identification and configuration changes, which are prone to errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A radio system with an own configuration unit and memory that automatically switches between regular and maintenance modes, loading and applying predefined settings based on the activated mode, allowing for fast and error-free maintenance without manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual identification and configuration changes are performed for maintaining radio devices, then the radio system can be maintained, but the maintenance process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The radio device automatically performs maintenance operations by identifying itself and applying the correct configuration parameters without requiring manual operator intervention. The device switches modes automatically and manages its own configuration, eliminating human error and reducing maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration parameters for both regular operation and maintenance modes are pre-configured and stored in the radio device. When maintenance is needed, the device automatically switches to maintenance mode and applies the pre-stored maintenance parameters, eliminating the need for manual configuration changes during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If up to 40 different radio devices are installed in a single rack, then the radio system functionality is enhanced, but the difficulty and time required to identify the specific radio device for maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio system functionalityVSAvoiddevice identification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The radio device uses visual indicators (such as LED lights or display elements) to indicate its operational mode and identity. When in maintenance mode, the device displays distinctive visual signals that make it easily identifiable among multiple devices in the rack, allowing operators to quickly locate the correct device without manual searching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If configuration parameters are loaded and set manually for maintenance mode, then the radio device can be maintained, but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance operation easeVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The radio device automatically manages its own configuration parameters by selecting and applying the appropriate settings based on its operational mode. The device stores multiple configuration sets (regular operation and maintenance modes) and automatically switches between them, eliminating manual configuration operations and associated errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The radio device includes an indicator that provides visual feedback about its current operational mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that the device and operator are aware of the active mode, preventing incorrect configuration applications and enabling verification that the correct maintenance parameters are being used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3671386B1Radio system and method of operating a radio system
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3671386B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A radio system (10) is described that has a configuration unit (16) and a memory (18). The radio system (10) has a regular operation mode and a maintenance mode. In the regular operation mode, the radio system (10) is configured to establish a radio connection to an object. In the maintenance mode, the radio system (10) is configured to establish a maintenance connection. Settings assigned to both the regular operation mode and the maintenance mode are stored in the memory (18). The configuration unit (16) is configured to set the radio system (10) with the respective settings depending on the mode activated. Moreover, a method of operating a radio system (10) is described.