Wireless Testing System for Helicopter Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians face difficulties in diagnosing and repairing complex systems, such as those in the CH47 helicopter, due to the lack of necessary information when performing field maintenance, often requiring physical documents that are cumbersome to carry and not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A wireless testing system comprising a host testing device and remote testing devices that communicate to execute test commands, allowing for efficient diagnosis and repair by transmitting electronic documents and receiving input from technicians, with the ability to query and display diagnostic information based on test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If technicians carry physical documents for troubleshooting, then they have access to necessary system information, but the burden of carrying and managing these documents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical documents with electronic copies stored on a portable computing device. The system creates and maintains digital versions of technical documentation, schematics, and troubleshooting guides that can be accessed wirelessly by testing devices in the field, eliminating the need for technicians to carry physical manuals while ensuring continuous access to accurate system information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of physical document carrying and manual lookup with an electronic system. Testing devices wirelessly communicate with the portable computer to retrieve documentation and display results, replacing the mechanical actions of carrying books and flipping through pages with automated electronic data retrieval and display
2Loss of information
If technicians telephone a central office for additional information, then they can access expert knowledge, but time is lost during the diagnosis process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading comprehensive troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic tools, and system documentation onto the portable computing device before field missions. This allows technicians to immediately access expert knowledge and diagnostic capabilities without needing to telephone for guidance, significantly reducing diagnosis time while maintaining access to thorough technical information
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by providing technicians with autonomous access to diagnostic tools and documentation through the portable computer and wireless testing devices. The system includes automated diagnostic procedures that can independently identify and locate problems without requiring real-time expert intervention, allowing technicians to service systems independently while having full access to necessary information
3Adaptability or versatility
If a system has numerous interfaces and subsystems, then it provides functional versatility, but locating the offending subsystem becomes difficult when a fault occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex system into modular subsystems, each with its own dedicated testing device. The wireless testing system can independently communicate with each subsystem through its specific interface, allowing technicians to isolate and test individual modules without having to navigate the entire complex system architecture, thereby making fault location easier while preserving overall system versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system in the form of wireless communication interfaces that connect testing devices to various subsystems. These wireless interfaces act as mediators that simplify the connection between the technician's portable computer and the complex system components, providing standardized access points that make fault detection and location easier despite the system's numerous interfaces and subsystems
Data Source
AI summary
A system of the present disclosure has a host testing device having a first wireless transceiver and having host testing device logic configured to transmit a test command via the first wireless transceiver. Additionally, the system has a remote testing device coupled to a system component. The remote testing device has a second wireless transceiver and remote testing device logic that receives the test command from the host testing device and executes the test command on the system component.