Aircraft WAIC Interface for Secure Portable Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft communication systems rely on wired data buses, which are cumbersome and costly, and existing wireless solutions do not effectively utilize the Wireless Avionics Intra-Communications (WAIC) standard, particularly in the 4.2 GHz to 4.4 GHz frequency range, for secure and efficient data transfer between portable devices and aircraft systems.
Innovation Solution
A WAIC interface device that mounts to an aircraft interior surface, featuring a wireless antenna and access point for communication with portable devices via standard protocols like IEEE 802.11, and a wired connection to a WAIC controller, enabling secure data transfer between portable devices and aircraft systems within the 4.2 GHz to 4.4 GHz frequency range, while ensuring only authorized devices can communicate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired aircraft data buses are used for data transmission, then communication reliability is ensured, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired data bus system with a wireless communication system operating in the 4.2-4.4 GHz frequency range. The WAIC interface device uses wireless transceivers to transmit aircraft operational data and user input without physical connections, thereby maintaining communication reliability while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for extensive wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication medium from electrical signals through wired buses to electromagnetic waves in the 4.2-4.4 GHz frequency range. This parameter change enables wireless transmission while maintaining data integrity through encrypted communication protocols, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication in standard frequency bands (900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security and bandwidth are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns a specific local quality to the wireless communication system by designating the 4.2-4.4 GHz frequency range exclusively for aircraft communications. This localized frequency allocation provides both the ease of operation associated with standardized wireless protocols and enhanced security through dedicated spectrum usage, preventing interference and unauthorized access while maintaining sufficient bandwidth for aircraft data transmission.
3Weight of stationary object
If portable electronic devices communicate wirelessly with aircraft systems, then space and weight are reduced, but security risks increase due to accessible frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the WAIC interface device as an intermediary between portable electronic devices and aircraft systems. This intermediary operates in the secured 4.2-4.4 GHz frequency range and implements authentication protocols, acting as a security gateway that maintains the space and weight advantages of wireless communication while mitigating security risks through controlled access and encrypted data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing authentication and authorization mechanisms before allowing wireless communication. The WAIC interface device verifies the legitimacy of portable devices attempting to connect, preventing unauthorized access before security risks can materialize, thus enabling weight reduction while maintaining security.
4Reliability
If WAIC standard is implemented for wireless avionics communication, then bandwidth and security are enhanced, but device compatibility challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The WAIC interface device serves as a mediator that translates between the WAIC standard (4.2-4.4 GHz) and various portable device communication protocols. This intermediary function enables enhanced bandwidth and security through WAIC while maintaining broad device compatibility by supporting multiple wireless communication standards, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A Wireless Avionics Intra-Communications (WAIC) interface device provides communication between a portable electronic device and a WAIC controller. The WAIC interface device includes a housing (40), a wireless antenna, wireless access point electronics, and an interface controller. The housing (40) is configured to be mounted to an interior surface of an aircraft and to receive and engage the portable electronic device. The wireless access point electronics (58) are connected via a communication port to a first wired connection to communicate with the WAIC controller. The interface controller (62) authenticates the portable electronic device. A WAIC coordinator is connected to the WAIC controller via a second wired connection, and is configured to communicate wirelessly over a WAIC frequency range between 4.2 gigahertz (GHz) and 4.4 GHz. An end node includes a transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with the WAIC coordinator over the WAIC frequency range between 4.2 gigahertz (GHz) and 4.4 GHz.