SSPC Auto-Configuration in Power Distribution Architectures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power distribution systems, such as those in aircraft, lack efficient methods for auto-configuring updates to solid state power controller (SSPC) modules, requiring complex software re-evaluation or manual configuration processes that can lead to system errors or configuration mismatches.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for auto-configuring power distribution architectures by detecting new or changed SSPC modules, allowing for user input and automatic configuration storage in a non-volatile memory, enabling seamless integration and control of SSPC modules without complex software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration processes are used for SSPC modules, then system reliability is maintained through careful setup, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting new or changed SSPC modules and retrieving their configuration data from non-volatile memory without requiring manual software updates or complex configuration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution system controller continuously monitors the SSPC modules and automatically detects when new modules are added or existing modules are changed, triggering the appropriate configuration retrieval and update processes
2Manufacturing precision
If complex software re-evaluation processes are used for SSPC updates, then manufacturing precision is maintained through thorough verification, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming update procedures
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data for SSPC modules is pre-stored in non-volatile memory of the distribution system controller, allowing the system to quickly retrieve and apply configurations without performing complex software re-evaluation or manual configuration during updates
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies configuration data from pre-stored templates in non-volatile memory to the appropriate SSPC modules, eliminating the need for complex software updates while maintaining configuration accuracy
3Device complexity
If traditional configuration methods are used for new SSPC modules, then device complexity is minimized with simple hardware, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to easily integrate new modules
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to new or changed SSPC modules by automatically detecting their presence, retrieving appropriate configuration data from non-volatile memory, and applying the correct settings without requiring system reconfiguration or software updates
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution system controller is designed to work with multiple types of SSPC modules through a universal configuration approach, storing configuration data for different module types in non-volatile memory and automatically selecting the appropriate configuration based on module identification
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes multiple solid state power controller (SSPC) modules arranged in a distribution system architecture. The system also includes a distribution system controller communicatively coupled to the multiple SSPC modules. The distribution system controller is configured to detect a new or changed SSPC module among the multiple SSPC modules, send identification or configuration information about the new or changed SSPC module to a maintenance computer or a cockpit display, receive at least one input regarding a configuration for the new or changed SSPC module, store the configuration of the new or changed SSPC module in a non-volatile memory of the distribution system controller, and control the new or changed SSPC module according to the stored configuration.