Emergency Autopilot Interface With Latched Override Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preventing unauthorized access to aircraft cockpits during hijacking events are inadequate, as they rely solely on securing cockpit doors and lack a robust mechanism to ensure the autopilot system cannot be overridden by unauthorized personnel.
Innovation Solution
An emergency interface system that includes a concealed actuator switch connected to an electrical latch, which temporarily activates the autopilot system to return to a preconfigured destination, preventing override by securing the latch in an inaccessible location, ensuring the autopilot mode cannot be altered by pilots or unauthorized personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is made accessible for emergency operation, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to tampering and unauthorized activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the actuator in a specific location that is accessible for legitimate emergency operation but inaccessible for tampering. The actuator is positioned outside the cockpit interior in a location that allows authorized personnel to operate it during emergencies while being physically protected from unauthorized access and tampering attempts, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism implements preliminary anti-action by being pre-configured to prevent disengagement once engaged. The latch is designed with a latched state that inherently resists unauthorized manipulation or tampering attempts, creating a preliminary barrier against harmful actions before they can occur. This preliminary protective measure ensures that even if the actuator is accessed, the autopilot engagement cannot be easily reversed.
2Ease of operation
If the latch is made accessible for resetting, then ease of repair and operation is improved, but security against unauthorized override is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the latch in a specific location that balances accessibility for legitimate resetting operations with security against unauthorized access. The latch is placed in a location that allows authorized personnel to reset it after legitimate emergency operations while being physically protected from tampering and unauthorized manipulation, thus resolving the contradiction between operational accessibility and security.
3Device complexity
If the actuator switch is directly connected to the autopilot system, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability against unauthorized override decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary latch mechanism between the actuator switch and the autopilot system. This latch receives the engagement command from the actuator, maintains the engaged state through its latched configuration, and provides the control signal to the autopilot system. This intermediary component adds a layer of security and stability, ensuring that once engaged, the autopilot cannot be easily disengaged, thus resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and engagement stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency interface system for an autopilot system has an actuator mechanically interfacing an actuator switch, the actuator throwing the actuator switch when operated. The actuator switch has an actuator output connected to an input of an electrical latch, the latch having an activation output. The activation output interfaces an autopilot system, wherein the latch latches the activation output when the actuator output changes.