Embraer has been granted a patent for a computer-implemented method that automatically coordinates the repair of non-operational aircraft. The method involves collecting data from the crew, creating an electronic data package, submitting maintenance requests to mechanics and maintenance systems, identifying needed materials, providing progress updates, and generating analyses and reports to improve processes. The system connects various computing devices and utilizes a supply-and-demand matching engine to efficiently coordinate repairs. GlobalData’s report on Embraer gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Embraer, photovoltaic drones was a key innovation area identified from patents. Embraer's grant share as of September 2023 was 62%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Aircraft repair management system coordinating repair of non-operational aircraft

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Embraer SA

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11769352B2) describes a computer-implemented method for an aircraft repair management server that automates the coordination of repairing a non-operational aircraft. The method involves using a database and a supply-and-demand matching engine to connect and exchange data with various computerized support systems, including an electronic system on board the aircraft, a mechanics mobile device gateway, a maintenance controller, and a flight dispatcher computer.

The method begins by electronically receiving problem report messages from the electronic system on board the non-operational aircraft. These messages include information such as engine indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS) messages and aircraft health monitoring data, as well as details about the aircraft type, location, and fault code. The received messages are then processed to determine the tools and/or parts needed for the repair, using a historical database that considers the aircraft type and failure code.

Based on the location of the non-operational aircraft, the method dynamically searches for a mechanic with the necessary skills and proximity to the aircraft. This involves determining the availability status of multiple mechanics within geographical proximity and calculating a score representing their suitability for the repair based on skill qualifications and estimated travel time. The selected mechanic is then contacted through a mobile device gateway, and information about the aircraft location, type, and failure code is communicated. Once the mechanic confirms their agreement to repair the aircraft, arrangements are made for their travel to the aircraft location.

Throughout the process, the method tracks the travel of the selected mechanic and provides notifications to the electronic system on board the non-operational aircraft regarding the mechanic's proximity and estimated time of arrival. Additionally, a progress indicator is electronically published to provide ongoing visibility into the repair progress, both to the electronic system on board the aircraft and to the flight dispatcher computer.

The patent also describes a smart and shared services computer platform that implements this method. The platform includes a server with a processor that connects to the various support systems and performs the necessary instructions for coordinating the repair of the non-operational aircraft. The platform can send electronic text messages to mechanics' mobile devices, arrange transportation for the mechanics, track their location, and publish progress indicators.

Overall, this patent presents a computer-implemented method and platform that streamline and automate the process of coordinating and executing repairs for non-operational aircraft, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.