Aircraft Component Identifier Verification for Installation Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft communication systems face challenges in ensuring unambiguous communication with a large number of identical communication-capable components, as they lack unique identifiers for individual components, leading to potential installation errors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of configuration signals with main data records containing unique device identifiers and auxiliary data records for each component, along with non-unique part and initial key identifiers, to a host system for comparison with reference data records, generating a report signal to verify correct component installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of communication-capable components are installed in an aircraft, then the functionality and coverage of the communication system is improved, but the difficulty of uniquely identifying and managing each component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: device identifier for the overall device, component identifier for individual components, and serial number for unique component instances. This segmentation allows efficient management of large numbers of components by organizing identifiers in a structured hierarchy rather than requiring a single complex unique identifier for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional identifier structure that adds dimensions to the identification system. Instead of using one-dimensional unique identifiers, the system uses device identifier, component identifier, and serial number as separate dimensions that can be combined to uniquely identify any component. This dimensional approach simplifies the management of large component quantities.
2Ease of manufacture
If identical communication-capable components are used for multiple devices, then manufacturing cost and maintenance simplicity are improved, but the ability to uniquely identify each component's specific function and location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
While the physical components remain identical for manufacturing simplicity, the patent assigns different local qualities through their identifier attributes. Each component receives a unique combination of device identifier, component identifier, and serial number that reflects its specific location and function. This allows identical physical components to be uniquely identified and tracked based on their local assignment characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates informational copies of component identities through the multi-level identifier system. Instead of making physical components different, it creates unique identifier combinations that copy and represent each component's specific context. The serial number acts as a unique copy of the component's identity within the broader device-component hierarchy.
3Measurement precision
If detailed unique identifiers are assigned to each component, then communication precision and error-free addressing are improved, but the complexity of configuration and data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data is segmented into structured records with specific fields for device identifier, component identifier, and serial number. This segmentation allows precise identification while maintaining organized, manageable data structures. The segmented approach enables selective use of identifier levels based on communication needs without requiring all identifiers in every communication instance.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-level identifier system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides unique identification, tracks component location, monitors component function, and enables hierarchical data organization. This universal identifier structure reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple identification and tracking functions into a single integrated system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for processing previously acquired identifiers (6, 14, 16, 18) of devices (8) of an aircraft, wherein each device (8) has at least one communicative component (12). A comparison of the actual identifiers (6, 14, 16, 18) with target identifiers is performed using a reference data set, so that a report signal based on the comparison result indicates whether the acquired identifiers (6, 14, 16, 18) correspond to the identifiers represented by the reference data set. If there is a positive match, this allows the conclusion that the devices (8) are correctly installed in the aircraft.