Wireless Data Capture Device for Flight Management Computer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic flight bag (EFB) applications face limitations due to unavailability of certain avionics data, particularly ARINC 739 data, which is inaccessible via standard aircraft interface devices, restricting their functionality during flights.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a wireless interface into the control display unit (CDU) to enable the transmission of flight management computer (FMC) data, including ARINC 739 data, to portable electronic devices, allowing EFB applications to access and utilize this data for calculations without interfering with pilot activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless interface is added to the CDU to enable FMC data transmission, then EFB application functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEFB application functionalityVSAvoidCDU system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the existing CDU handles traditional flight control functions, while a wireless communication module handles data transmission to portable devices. This segmentation allows the wireless interface to be added without complicating the core CDU functionality, as each module operates independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication interface between the FMC and portable electronic devices. This mediator captures FMC data through the communication interface and relays it wirelessly to external devices, preventing direct integration complexity in the CDU while still enabling data access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If FMC data is made accessible to portable devices, then information availability is improved, but data security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAvionics data accessibilityVSAvoidData security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless interface acts as a controlled intermediary that selectively transmits FMC data to authorized portable devices. It captures specific data types through the communication interface and relays only permitted information, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive FMC systems while maintaining data availability for approved applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing direct access to the FMC system, the patent creates copies of the required data through the wireless interface. Portable devices receive replicated FMC data suitable for EFB applications without establishing direct connections to the flight management computer, thereby maintaining system security while enabling information access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing FMC and CDU interfaces are modified to enable wireless transmission, then EFB functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEFB application capabilityVSAvoidCDU modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication capability is implemented as a separate, modular component that interfaces with the existing CDU through standard communication protocols. This allows the wireless function to be added as a distinct module rather than requiring modifications to the proven FMC and CDU architectures, simplifying manufacturing and certification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless interface is designed as a universal data capture device that can interface with multiple FMC systems through standard communication protocols. This multi-functional approach allows the same wireless module to work across different aircraft types without requiring custom modifications to each FMC or CDU system, improving ease of manufacture and deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10032382B2Communication of flight management computer data via a wireless interface of a data capture device

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method includes receiving, at a data capture device associated with a control display unit (CDU) and with a flight management computer (FMC), a first FMC data request from the CDU to the FMC and sending the first FMC data request from the data capture device to the FMC. The method also includes receiving, at the data capture device, first FMC data from the FMC responsive to the first FMC data request. The method further includes sending the first FMC data from the data capture device to the CDU via a communication interface and sending data generated based on the first FMC data from the data capture device to a portable electronic device via a wireless interface of the data capture device.