UAV On-Board Computer Error Data Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for error detection in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) coupled to carrier aircraft do not effectively preserve error data when a fatal error occurs during system tests or operational flights, leading to loss of information necessary for post-flight analysis, as volatile memory data is deleted upon power shutdown.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that transfers error data from volatile to non-volatile memory in the UAV's on-board computer before power shutdown, allowing error data to be stored and retrieved for analysis after the flight, using a central on-board computer with control software and both volatile and non-volatile memory, and an autonomous power supply to ensure data preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first power supply from the carrier aircraft is shut off after a fatal error, then the missile is freed from external electrical voltage and safety is improved, but the error data in volatile memory is lost and diagnostic capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The error data is transferred from volatile main memory to non-volatile data memory in advance, before the power supply is shut off. This preliminary action ensures that the error information is preserved even after the first power supply is disconnected, resolving the contradiction between safety (requiring power shutdown) and information preservation (requiring continuous power for volatile memory).
Solution Approach 2:
The error data is copied from the volatile main memory to the non-volatile data memory. This creates a duplicate copy that persists after the original volatile memory is cleared due to power loss, thereby preserving the error information while allowing the power supply to be safely shut off.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous energy storage device is activated before uncoupling, then the missile can operate independently, but the error data cannot be retrieved after landing as the power supply is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The error data transfer to non-volatile memory occurs before the autonomous energy storage device is activated and before the umbilical cable is disconnected. This timing ensures that the data is preserved in the missile's memory system even though the power connection is subsequently interrupted, enabling both independent operation and error data retrieval.
3Loss of information
If a tape data recorder is installed instead of the warhead, then error data can be stored after test flights, but the missile must be converted each time and safety requirements complicate the process
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile data memory in the missile's on-board computer serves multiple functions: it stores the missile's control software, operational data, and error information. This multi-functional use of existing memory hardware eliminates the need for separate dedicated error recording devices like tape recorders and avoids the complex conversion process required for each test mission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves operating a missile (1) by a central airborne computer (30), on which a control software stored in a memory unit, and has a volatile working memory and a non-volatile, reprogrammable data storage. The missile has a power supply for electric energy, which is fed from the carrier flight (2). The error data emerging during the system monitoring in the missile is detected and the error data is stored in the volatile working memory. An independent claim is also included for an unmanned missile comprises a central airborne computer.