Wireless Aircraft Data Access via Password Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for troubleshooting aircraft engine malfunctions are complex and time-consuming due to the need for wired connections, and often lack secure data access in remote locations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for secure data access from an aircraft using a computing device to obtain and render password data on a display, allowing user devices to connect wirelessly to data acquisition devices for accessing aviation data, with password generation and retrieval mechanisms to ensure secure authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections with specialized cables and electrical connectors are used for data access, then secure data transmission is achieved, but device complexity and troubleshooting time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure data transmissionVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (specialized cables and electrical connectors) with a wireless communication system. The computing device establishes wireless communication with the data acquisition device to access aviation data, eliminating the need for physical connectors and reducing connection complexity while maintaining secure data transmission through wireless authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If wired connections are required for data access, then secure data transmission is ensured, but troubleshooting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure data transmissionVSAvoidtroubleshooting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the time-consuming process of physically connecting specialized cables and electrical connectors by implementing wireless communication. The computing device can establish secure wireless connections and access aviation data without mechanical connection steps, significantly reducing troubleshooting time while maintaining transmission security through authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If no secured connections are provided in remote locations, then ease of operation is improved, but security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access convenienceVSAvoiddata access security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism in the form of a computing device that manages secure wireless connections. This intermediary system provides both convenience and security by validating user credentials and establishing encrypted connections, allowing maintenance personnel to access data securely from remote locations without compromising either ease of operation or security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4210298A1System and method for password protected data access from an aircraft
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP
  • EP4210298A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4210298A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4210298A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In a data access method for an aircraft, password data is obtained for use in providing access to aviation data collected by at least one data acquisition device (104) from one or more locations in the aircraft. The password data is caused to be rendered on at least one display (114) provided in at least one secured location of the aircraft. Subsequent to the password data being rendered on the at least one display (114), input data is received from at least one user device (110) requesting access to the aviation data. The input data is compared to the password data and, when the input data matches the password data, a connection (112) is established between the at least one user device (110) and the at least one data acquisition device (104) for providing the at least one user device (110) access to the aviation data.