Remote Vehicle Data Acquisition System for Maintenance Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle maintenance systems require mechanics to physically access aircraft to diagnose and address operational issues, leading to increased repair and return-to-service times due to the need for a single maintenance terminal to view operational data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for acquiring integrated operational and support data using a remote device with a network interface and processor that communicates with the vehicle, allowing for remote access to operational data and support information via wired or wireless communication links, enabling remote diagnosis and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single maintenance terminal is used to view operational data, then the system structure is simple, but the repair time and return-to-service time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a remote copy of the maintenance terminal functionality that can access and display operational data and support information remotely. The remote device establishes a connection to the vehicle's maintenance computer and retrieves data, effectively creating a virtual copy of the terminal experience without requiring physical presence at the original terminal location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between the maintenance terminal and the vehicle systems. This intermediary enables data transmission and support information retrieval without requiring the mechanic to physically board the aircraft, thus reducing repair time while maintaining system functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanic boards the aircraft to review operational data, then data access is direct, but the repair process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physically boarding the aircraft with an electronic communication system. The mechanic uses a remote device connected via network to access operational data, support information, and event indicators, substituting the mechanical action of physical access with electronic data transmission and retrieval.
3Loss of time
If remote access is implemented, then repair time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the maintenance system universally accessible by enabling multiple access points (both local maintenance terminals and remote devices) to connect to the vehicle's maintenance computer through a network. This multi-functionality allows the same system to serve both on-site and remote mechanics without requiring separate systems, thereby managing complexity while improving accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for acquiring integrated operational data and support data regarding a vehicle. The apparatus comprising a network interface for communicating with the vehicle and a processor that is coupled to the network interface. The processor is configured to transmit a first request for operational data to the vehicle, receive the requested operational data from the vehicle, the requested operational data including at least one event indicator, and retrieve the support data that corresponds to a selected event indicator from a stored location.