Aircraft Windshield Obscuration for Unauthorized Access Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate in preventing terrorists from taking control of an aircraft, as they may overpower flight crew and use the plane as a missile, necessitating a more effective security measure to restrict unauthorized control.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft security system that obscures the cockpit windshield using an electrically controlled liquid crystal system or other methods, combined with ID/password verification, communication systems, and emergency buttons, to limit visibility and maintain control, potentially using land-based or remote controllers to activate these features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cockpit windshield is obscured to prevent unauthorized control, then aircraft security is improved, but the ability of qualified pilots to control the aircraft is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of pilot credentials through ID/password authentication before allowing access to the cockpit. Qualified pilots are authenticated in advance and their credentials are stored in the control system, enabling them to override security measures when needed while preventing unauthorized access
2Speed
If a liquid crystal system is used to control windshield visibility, then the response time to security threats is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical windshield controls with an electrically controlled liquid crystal system that can rapidly change from transparent to opaque state through electrical signals, enabling fast response to security threats without complex mechanical moving parts
3Reliability
If ID/password verification is implemented to identify qualified personnel, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the time required for authentication is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of flight crew members before they enter the cockpit, verifying their credentials against stored data. This advance verification ensures that only authorized personnel gain access, while the authentication process is streamlined to minimize time loss
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
The system effectively restricts unauthorized control by limiting visibility for non-qualified pilots while allowing qualified pilots to maintain control through instruments or autopilot, enhancing aircraft security by quickly identifying and responding to potential security threats.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically controlled liquid crystal system
Data Source
AI summary
A security method obscures the visibility through an aircraft's windshield upon determining the existence of a potential security problem, such as a terrorist attempting to take unauthorized control of the aircraft. The windshield can be obscured by various means such as actuating a liquid crystal system of a chromogenic glass pane; automatically drawing a shade or curtain in front of, behind, or within the windshield; and applying to or within a windshield an opaque or translucent fluid. Although an obscured windshield would likely impede the terrorist, it would not create a problem for a skilled pilot that is more familiar with the aircraft and its instruments. Determining whether a potential security problem exists can be accomplished in various ways such as scanning ID cards; reading passwords; communicating with the flight crew; actuating emergency buttons aboard the aircraft; and comparing cell phone numbers, voice imprints, or facial images to a database.