Shielded Laptop Case for In-Flight Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In previous generation aircraft, the lack of a data concentrator and sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances complicates flight data collection, leading to inadequate maintenance and operational challenges, as data can only be collected on the ground, failing to capture anomalies in operational and environmental contexts.
Innovation Solution
A shielded laptop case is used to house a laptop that can be placed in the aircraft cockpit, connected to avionics systems to record flight data, and powered by the aircraft, allowing data collection during flights while minimizing electromagnetic interference, with storage means like SD cards for shock and vibration resistance, and standard connectors for power and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a data concentrator is installed in the avionics rack to collect and analyze flight data, then data collection capability is improved, but the lack of space in the avionics rack and sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances prevents its installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable data collection device with a shielded case that acts as an intermediary between the avionics system and ground-based analysis systems. This portable device can be placed in the cockpit or hold, connected to avionics systems via connectors, and processes flight data without requiring permanent installation in the constrained avionics rack space.
Solution Approach 2:
The data collection function is segmented into a portable, self-contained unit that can be independently deployed. The system divides the data collection task from the data analysis task, allowing the portable device to collect data in-flight and transfer it to ground systems for detailed analysis, thus eliminating the need for a permanent data concentrator in the avionics rack.
2Reliability
If avionics systems are monitored closely to collect flight data, then maintenance quality is improved, but electromagnetic disturbances interfere with data collection and system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges electromagnetic disturbances as an unavoidable environmental factor and converts this challenge into a design requirement for shielded enclosures. The shielded case becomes a standard feature that protects both the data collection device and the avionics system from mutual interference, allowing reliable data collection despite the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable data collection device with shielded case serves as an electromagnetic isolation intermediary between the sensitive avionics systems and the external environment. The shielding prevents electromagnetic disturbances from affecting data collection while allowing the device to operate independently without disturbing avionics system operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If data are collected only on the ground when the aircraft is no longer in operational service, then electromagnetic interference is avoided, but the data collected are inadequate and cannot explain anomalies in operational context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, ground-only data collection approach into a dynamic, in-flight data collection capability. The portable device can be deployed during flight operations to collect data in the actual operational context, capturing real-time information about anomalies as they occur while the aircraft is in service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary data collection during flight operations before the aircraft returns to ground. By collecting data in-flight with contextual information, the system prepares comprehensive datasets that include operational context, allowing for more effective anomaly analysis before the aircraft is grounded.
4Productivity
If a portable laptop is used to collect flight data in the cockpit, then data collection during flight is enabled, but electromagnetic disturbances may interfere with laptop operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses electromagnetic sensitivity by making shielding a core design feature rather than an afterthought. The shielded case protects the laptop computer from electromagnetic disturbances while allowing it to function as an effective data collection tool during flight operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates the collection and transfer of comprehensive flight data without disturbing avionics systems, enabling in-depth maintenance analysis and reducing costly delays by allowing data replay and simulation post-flight, using standard market elements and adapting to aircraft power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
the case limiting the electromagnetic disturbances between the laptop and the avionics system
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable device for recording flight data obtained from an avionics system in an aircraft is provided. The device includes a case containing a laptop computer. The case limits the electromagnetic disturbances between the laptop and the avionics system. The laptop is connected to the avionics system, so as to receive the flight data to be recorded. The device can be applied to monitoring of flight data.