Secondary Power Distribution Assembly Mapping to Minimize LRM Lag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring secondary power distribution assemblies (SPDAs) in aircraft are inefficient, requiring reconfiguration from scratch for each application, leading to inefficiencies and potential lag in microprocessor operation due to unnecessary line replaceable modules (LRMs).
Innovation Solution
A customizable SPDA is generated with virtual LRMs, allowing for the selection of a configuration with the least excess number of virtual LRMs, which are then disabled, minimizing unnecessary LRMs and channels, and defining a mapping to actual LRMs and channels, optimizing microprocessor efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a secondary power distribution assembly is configured from scratch for each application, then the configuration can be precisely matched to requirements, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple pre-configured customizable SPDAs with different numbers of virtual LRMs before deployment. The microprocessor is pre-programmed with configuration data for various LRM counts, so when deployed, it can quickly select from pre-prepared configurations rather than configuring from scratch, reducing both setup time and operational lag
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual LRMs as software representations that can be copied and mapped to physical LRMs. By creating virtual copies with different configurations and selecting the closest match to actual requirements, the system avoids time-consuming custom configuration while maintaining adequate precision through the mapping process
2Adaptability or versatility
If unnecessary line replaceable modules are included in the configuration, then the assembly can accommodate various requirements, but microprocessor operational efficiency decreases due to lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration by allowing the microprocessor to select from multiple pre-defined LRM counts based on actual needs. The system can adaptively choose the appropriate configuration level (different numbers of virtual LRMs) rather than being fixed, maintaining versatility while optimizing performance by activating only necessary modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of LRM count by creating customizable SPDAs with different numbers of virtual LRMs. By selecting the configuration with the least excess virtual LRMs, the system optimizes the balance between adaptability and operational efficiency, reducing microprocessor lag while maintaining sufficient configuration flexibility
3Device complexity
If a fixed number of line replaceable modules are used, then the assembly structure is simple, but it cannot be optimized for different application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal customizable SPDA platform that can serve multiple different application requirements. By incorporating multiple virtual LRMs that can be mapped to different physical LRM configurations, a single assembly design can adapt to various aircraft types and power distribution needs, eliminating the need for completely different designs for each application
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (400) of generating a customized secondary power distribution assembly (SPDA) includes generating one or more customizable SPDAs (100A-N). Each of the one or more customizable SPDAs is a construct corresponding with a microprocessor (100) configured to control a set of customizable channels in each of a set of virtual line replaceable modules (vLRMs) (120a-n). The method also includes creating (440) a mapping between one of the one or more customizable SPDAs and the customized SPDA, the mapping indicating line replaceable modules (LRMs) of the customized SPDA and defining each channel of each LRM, and deploying (450) the customized SPDA in an application. The microprocessor is initiated to control the customized SPDA according to the mapping at startup.