Virtual Channel Abstraction Layer for Aircraft Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft electrical power systems require multiple dedicated power controllers with varying SSPC ratings, leading to the need for numerous control circuit board versions, which complicates control and reporting due to system latencies and communication variations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel power controller configuration using a main controller coupled with standard power control circuit boards featuring virtual channels that aggregate control and status signals from multiple solid state power controllers, minimizing latency and communication issues through a nexus component that synchronizes control instructions and combines status reports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated power controllers with varying SSPC ratings are used for different loads, then each power controller can be optimized for its specific load requirements, but the number of different control circuit board versions increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control circuit board design that can control multiple SSPCs with different ratings through a ganged configuration. Instead of having separate dedicated controllers for each load, a single control board with multiple virtual channels can manage multiple SSPCs, each assigned to different load phases. This multi-functional approach reduces the variety of control boards needed while maintaining optimization for specific load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple SSPC control functions into a single control circuit board by implementing virtual channels that aggregate control signals. Multiple virtual channels are merged within one physical control board, allowing it to control multiple SSPCs that would traditionally require separate dedicated boards. This merging reduces the total number of control board versions in the system.
2Ease of operation
If separate physical control channels are used for each power controller, then each controller can be independently controlled, but system latency and communication variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical control channels into virtual channels that aggregate control signals for multiple SSPCs. Instead of sending separate control signals through separate physical channels, the system uses virtual channels to bundle control instructions, reducing the number of communication transactions and minimizing system latency while maintaining independent control capability through virtual channel assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual channels as an intermediary layer between the control system and physical SSPCs. This intermediary aggregates and manages control signals, reducing direct communication overhead and latency. The virtual channel acts as a mediator that coordinates control across multiple SSPCs, reducing the time required for independent control operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of control circuit boards are used with varying SSPC ratings, then each board can be matched to specific load requirements, but manufacturing and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control circuit board design that can accommodate multiple SSPC ratings through software configuration and virtual channel assignment. Instead of manufacturing different hardware versions for different SSPC ratings, a single universal board design can be configured to match various load requirements by assigning appropriate SSPCs to different virtual channels. This significantly simplifies manufacturing and inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the control software and virtual channel configuration to adapt the universal control board to different SSPC ratings and load requirements. Rather than changing physical hardware parameters through different board versions, the system changes operational parameters through software configuration, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel power controller includes a main controller communicatively coupled to a plurality of standard power control circuit boards. Each of the standard power controller circuit boards includes a nexus having a plurality of virtual channels and a plurality of solid state power controllers. Each of the solid state power controllers is controlled by one of the virtual channels. A plurality of physical control channels operable to control power to at least one load. Each physical control channel of the plurality of physical control channels is controlled by a corresponding solid state power controller of the plurality of solid state power controllers. At least one of the virtual channels controls more than one of the physical control channels in the plurality of physical control channels.