Aircraft Software Management Module Secure Update

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current software update processes for aircraft require human intervention, which is inefficient and challenging due to limited resources and increased aircraft utilization, leading to latency and operational inconsistencies across a fleet.

Innovation Solution

A method for remotely transmitting and autonomously activating executable software updates via a secure wireless link, using a software management module that encrypts communications, verifies source credentials, and performs load assurance checks to ensure integrity, allowing for real-time execution without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human resources manually install or activate software on each aircraft, then software deployment can be verified and controlled, but the process becomes time-consuming and cannot keep pace with increased aircraft utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware deployment controlVSAvoidsoftware update latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft system automatically verifies and activates software updates without requiring manual human intervention. The software management module on the aircraft performs self-verification of update integrity and self-activation of approved updates, eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to physically visit each aircraft for software deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Software updates are transmitted and prepared for installation before the aircraft requires them. The system pre-loads software updates onto the aircraft during ground time or via wireless transmission, so that when the software needs to be activated, it is already ready and waiting, reducing activation latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple human resources are deployed to update a fleet of aircraft, then more aircraft can be serviced, but resource constraints and coordination complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefleet update capacityVSAvoidupdate coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A centralized software management system serves multiple aircraft simultaneously through a single interface. The ground-based software management platform can transmit, verify, and activate updates across an entire fleet through automated wireless communication, eliminating the need for multiple human resources to coordinate manual updates across multiple aircraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of physically visiting each aircraft to install software is replaced with an automated electronic system. Wireless transmission and automated verification protocols enable remote software deployment across the fleet, substituting human physical presence with automated digital processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If software updates are transmitted wirelessly to aircraft, then deployment speed increases, but security risks from unverified updates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware transmission speedVSAvoidmalicious software risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The software management system implements a feedback loop where update integrity is verified through cryptographic authentication before activation. The system receives wireless updates, verifies their authenticity against authorized sources, and only activates updates that pass verification, providing continuous feedback on update safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary verification layer is introduced between wireless update transmission and software activation. The software management module acts as a mediator that intercepts all incoming updates, verifies their authenticity and integrity, and only permits activation of verified updates, blocking potentially malicious software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If human personnel physically visit each aircraft for software activation, then update accuracy can be ensured, but operational disruptions to aircraft schedules increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update accuracyVSAvoidaircraft utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft system performs self-verification and self-activation of software updates without requiring human presence. This eliminates the need to ground aircraft for maintenance personnel visits, allowing updates to be applied during normal operations or ground time without disrupting flight schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The physical presence of maintenance personnel is replaced with automated wireless transmission and electronic verification systems. Software updates are transmitted and activated through automated processes that do not require aircraft grounding or human intervention, maintaining update accuracy while preserving aircraft utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11755737B2Reporting and configuration enhancements of on-board certified software

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Provided is a method for remotely communicating a software management task to certified software from a source to a software management module on an asset via a wireless communications link. The method includes encrypting the communications link between the source and the software management module to form a secure tunnel and verifying credentials of the source via the software management module when a software management task file is communicated. A load assurance check is performed on a portion of the communicated software management task file to confirm integrity of the communicated file when the credentials of the source are verified. Thee software management task is executed immediately when the file integrity is verified, the executing occurring automatically and being devoid of human intervention.