Wireless Flight Data Recorder with Satellite Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight data recorders are not remotely accessible in real-time, leading to data loss in the event of an aircraft crash, as they require physical possession and have limited battery life, making it difficult for investigators to retrieve critical information for accident analysis.
Innovation Solution
A wireless flight data recorder system utilizing high-speed satellite communications and GPS technology to provide real-time data redundancy, video surveillance, and extended battery life through solar power, allowing remote access and location of the data even if the aircraft is lost or destroyed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If flight data recorder data is stored only on the aircraft, then data security is maintained, but data accessibility is lost in the event of crash or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously transmitting flight data to ground stations via satellite communications before any accident occurs. This ensures data is already available on the ground for immediate access in case of crash, eliminating the need to physically recover the black box from the wreckage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates copies of the flight data by maintaining both the original onboard recorder and simultaneous transmissions to multiple ground-based remote locations. This redundancy ensures that even if the original is lost or damaged, identical copies exist at ground stations for immediate investigation.
2Ease of operation
If real-time satellite communication is implemented, then data accessibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic transmission intervals rather than continuous constant transmission. Data is sent at scheduled intervals via satellite, which reduces overall energy consumption while still maintaining the capability for near-real-time data access. This periodic approach balances communication needs with battery conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system dynamically adjusts its operation based on flight conditions and battery status. During normal operations, standard periodic transmissions occur. When battery levels become critical or during emergency conditions, the system can increase transmission frequency or switch to emergency modes, providing dynamic adaptation to energy constraints.
3Reliability
If continuous satellite transmission is used, then data redundancy is improved, but loss of time for data retrieval is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By continuously transmitting data to ground stations during flight, the system performs preliminary data preparation and distribution. This ensures that when an accident occurs, the data is already positioned at multiple ground locations and can be immediately accessed without waiting for black box recovery, thus reducing retrieval time while maintaining redundancy.
4Reliability
If deployable ejectable unit is implemented, then device survival in crash is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flight data recording function into two separate units: a primary fixed recorder and a deployable ejectable recorder. This segmentation allows the ejectable unit to be optimized for crash survival with specialized features like flotation devices and extended battery life, while the primary unit handles normal operations. The segmentation enables targeted complexity only where needed for survival.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables immediate and secure access to critical flight data and video surveillance, ensuring data redundancy and rapid recovery of black box information, even after a crash, thereby facilitating timely investigation and potential survivor rescue.
Implementation Method 1
solar charging system built in to the design extends the battery life of device
Implementation Method 2
An ejection sensor system or plurality of ejection sensors allows the deployable floatable solar powered unit to eject from the aircraft
Implementation Method 3
A flotation system encapsulated around the device allows the recorder to float to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless dual flight data recorder apparatus and wireless network method using satellite communications for providing remote data redundancy, location accuracy, and real-time access to live flight data contained in the black box of an aircraft.An integrated GPS receiver uses the NAVSTAR GPS Precise Position Service allowing emergency responders immediate access to exact location of the device.A data collection algorithm streams flight data to a remote data center, performs data compaction for decreasing bandwidth, and data encryption for security prior to transmission to a remote data center.An ejection sensor system signals a second unit to eject milliseconds before impact reducing shock to the recorder. A flotation system allows the device to float on water, a solar panel extends the life of the batteries, and VoIP video camera recorder allows remote surveillance.The invention protects critical flight data and passengers ensuring expeditious rescue missions for survivors and investigators.