Aircraft Identifier via Light Source and Optical Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ready fungibility of electrically powered vehicular components across different platforms poses challenges in inventory control and safety, as improper installation can occur due to lack of authorization, leading to potential errors and risks.
Innovation Solution
A unique aircraft identifier is combined with a source of light, using an optical conduit to deliver this identifier to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus, allowing components to determine their authorized installation settings and preventing misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components are made fungible across different vehicle platforms, then ease of manufacture and inventory management are improved, but safety and inventory control deteriorate due to unauthorized installations
Solution Approach 1:
A light-based communication intermediary is introduced between the vehicle and component. The vehicle's light source transmits an identifier through an optical conduit to the component's light-to-electricity converter, enabling authorized pairing without electrical connections. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only authorized components can be installed while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are made fungible across different vehicle platforms, then adaptability is improved, but inventory control worsens due to lack of authorization tracking
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the vehicle's light source continuously transmits its unique identifier to the component during installation and operation. The component's light-to-electricity converter receives this information and can verify authorization. This feedback loop ensures proper inventory control while maintaining adaptability across different vehicle platforms.
3Reliability
If light-based identification systems are implemented, then inventory control and safety are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The light source serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for the vehicle's lighting system and simultaneously transmits the vehicle's unique identifier for component authorization. The optical conduit serves dual purposes as both a physical connector and an information transmission channel. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining improved safety and inventory control.
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 approach enhances inventory control, safety, and prevents unauthorized component installations by ensuring that only authorized components are used in specific vehicles, reducing errors and risks.
Implementation Method 1
a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus to which the optical conduit is coupled
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle such as an aircraft (400) is provided (101) with a source of power having a power output such as a source of light (401). This power output can then be combined with an identifier (103, 416) that is substantially unique to the aircraft. An optical conduit (405) can then be used (104) to couple this source of light to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus (406). So configured, the optical conduit delivers light from this source of light to the light-to-electricity conversion apparatus such that the light source then serves as a source of electricity in the vehicle and as a source of a substantially unique identifier as corresponds to the vehicle is available for such use as may be appropriate.