Aircraft BIT Communication Using NFC Instead of LED Flash Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft systems for built-in-test (BIT) rely on human interpretation of LED flash codes, which are not intuitive and prone to error, and may not be feasible without on-board maintenance systems, leading to potential safety risks and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a built-in-test module and a wireless communication module, such as a near field communication (NFC) transceiver, that connects to aircraft subsystems and outputs test data directly to a portable electronic device, allowing for secure one-way communication and reducing the need for physical access during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If LED flash codes are used to communicate BIT results, then the system can indicate safety status without OMS, but the communication is limited in scope and prone to human interpretation error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical LED flash code system with a wireless communication system using NFC transceivers. The controller wirelessly transmits BIT results directly to a PED, eliminating the need for visual interpretation of LED codes and reducing human error while expanding communication capabilities beyond what LEDs can provide.
2Loss of information
If OMS is used to log and review BIT results, then detailed test data can be recorded, but the system requires physical plug-in interfaces and post-test review rather than immediate feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module with NFC transceiver as an intermediary between the controller and the user's PED. This intermediary enables direct wireless transmission of BIT results, eliminating the need for physical plug-in interfaces required by OMS and providing immediate feedback to the user without requiring post-test review procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two-way wireless communication is enabled for security, then the system can receive commands, but this increases security risks and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the typical two-way communication approach by implementing unidirectional wireless communication where the controller only transmits BIT results to the PED without receiving commands. This reversal maintains wireless communication versatility while enhancing security by eliminating the attack surface associated with receiving wireless commands.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of BIT results interpretation, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures continued airworthiness by providing detailed, secure, and intuitive communication of BIT status information, independent of operator skill and visual access to LED indicators.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communication module can be a near field communication (NFC) transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an aircraft system can include a controller configured to connect to one or more subsystems of the aircraft system, the controller having a built-in-test (BIT) module configured to test the one or more subsystems of the aircraft system and output test data. The control system can include a wireless communication module operatively connected to the controller and configured to receive the output data and to output a wireless signal as a function of the test data.