Wireless Aircraft Network Deployment Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deployment of wired aircraft networks is inefficient due to high manual effort, sub-optimal configurations, and limited scalability, with challenges in cable routing and certification, and wireless networks face issues with electromagnetic interference and optimizing network topology.

Innovation Solution

An automated process for evaluating the aircraft environment and providing a deployment architecture for a wireless aircraft network, selecting optimal wireless network channels, and allowing for network re-configuration, using wireless data controllers and sensors that can connect via IEEE 802.15 protocols, with redundant channels for reliability and automatic re-deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If wired network deployment is used, then electromagnetic interference is minimal, but manual effort and deployment time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoiddeployment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical deployment processes with automated software-based configuration. The system automatically discovers network elements, configures parameters, and optimizes topology without manual intervention, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining wired network's electromagnetic interference advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wired network deployment system performs self-configuration and self-optimization through automated algorithms that discover network elements and configure parameters independently, eliminating the need for manual deployment effort while maintaining the inherent electromagnetic stability of wired connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If wired network is used, then network configuration is stable, but scalability is limited by cable routing challenges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration stabilityVSAvoidnetwork scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to wired networks through automated software control. The system can dynamically add, remove, or reposition network elements without physical cable re routing, maintaining configuration stability through automated management while enabling scalability through software-defined flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network into modular elements that can be independently configured and managed. This modular approach allows individual network elements to be added or removed without affecting the entire network structure, enhancing scalability while maintaining overall configuration stability through automated management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If wireless network is deployed, then scalability and deployment speed improve, but electromagnetic interference from onboard radio systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts wireless network parameters such as frequency channels, transmission power, and modulation schemes to optimize performance and minimize interference with onboard radio systems. This allows rapid wireless deployment while adapting to electromagnetic environmental constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor electromagnetic interference levels and automatically adjust wireless network parameters in response. This enables the network to maintain high deployment speed while actively managing and reducing interference with other onboard radio communications through real-time adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of manufacture

If manual network configuration is performed, then initial setup is possible, but sub-optimal network configurations result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial setup capabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration optimality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically discovers network elements, determines optimal topology, configures parameters, and validates performance. This eliminates sub-optimal manual configuration while maintaining ease of initial setup through automated guidance and execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration processes with automated software-based optimization algorithms that systematically determine optimal network parameters and topology. This substitution eliminates human error and subjectivity, ensuring reliable optimal configurations while maintaining user-friendly initial setup capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3624550B1Deployment of a wireless aircraft network
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE INC
  • EP3624550B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3624550B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3624550B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for wireless network deployment are provided. Aspects include scanning, by a network controller (202), a plurality of wireless channels to determine an energy level for each channel in the plurality of wireless channels. Selecting a primary channel and a secondary channel from the plurality of wireless channels based at least in part on the energy level. Selecting a primary wireless data controller (40) and a secondary wireless data controller (40) for each of the plurality of the wireless sensors (42) and establishing wireless communication with each of the plurality of wireless sensors (42) over the primary channel and the secondary channel.