Wireless Handheld Avionics Data Entry for Turbulent Cockpits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data entry in aircraft cockpit systems is challenging during turbulence and poor readability conditions, leading to potential serious consequences due to difficulties in accurately and promptly reading and entering information.
Innovation Solution
A portable handheld avionics device with wireless capabilities that can interface with on-board flight systems and off-board service providers, allowing for timely and accurate data entry and display, even under sub-optimal conditions, by establishing a wireless link for command and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed or physically connected data entry tools are used in cockpit systems, then data entry can be performed using keyboards, trackballs and/or joysticks, but accurate manipulation becomes difficult under turbulence conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data entry interface from the fixed cockpit environment by using a portable computing device that can be held in the pilot's hand. This separates the interaction interface from the aircraft systems, allowing the pilot to manipulate controls independently of turbulence-induced aircraft movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computing device acts as an intermediary between the pilot and the aircraft systems. It receives pilot input through its own stable interface and communicates with aircraft systems via wireless connection, buffering the interaction against turbulence effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If touch screen displays with heavy population are used for multiple functions, then versatility is improved, but readability and response time deteriorate under poor visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display information into distinct, well-spaced elements on the portable device screen. Rather than presenting heavily populated information on a single cockpit display, the interface divides data into manageable sections that are easier to read and interact with under various lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computing device creates a copy of the necessary flight data and control interfaces, presenting them in an optimized format that improves readability. This duplicate interface allows pilots to view and manipulate data without relying on the original cockpit display's layout constraints.
3Device complexity
If manual data entry is required for flight plans and commands, then system simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and error risk increase during critical flight phases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computing device enables pilots to prepare and review flight plans, commands, and procedures in advance during non-critical phases of flight. Data can be pre-configured and validated before critical flight operations begin, reducing the need for time-sensitive manual entry during critical phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service capabilities by automatically transferring data between the portable device and aircraft systems. Once the pilot enters or selects data on the portable device, the system handles the transfer and integration with aircraft systems automatically, reducing manual intervention time and potential errors.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for the use of a wireless portable avionics device in conjunction with on-board flight systems and/or off-board service providers. The device may be used by aircraft personnel such as pilots and may act as a command/data entry and/or display tool to augment cockpit display systems. The device can receive flight data (e.g., a flight plan) from an off-board provider and automatically transfer it, as well as any previously prepared commands or data, to a flight management system and/or cockpit display systems. Commands and/or data (including pre-existing ones and ones entered in real-time) can be wirelessly transferred to the on-board flight systems which are not in direct physical contact with the device. Thus, the device can be easily manipulated during turbulence or under poor readability conditions. The device can be used to manipulate items shown on cockpit display systems in a timely and accurate manner.