Trusted Link for Portable Electronic Flight Bag Data Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic flight bag systems lack a seamless and secure method for transferring information between portable Class 1 devices and installed Class 3 systems, limiting the ability of flight crew members to update and share data outside the aircraft and during flights.

Innovation Solution

A secure connection and messaging system between portable electronic flight bag devices and installed EFB systems, enabling trusted links for application-to-application communication and data transfer, allowing information to be entered on portable devices and synchronized with the aircraft's EFB system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a portable Class 1 EFB device is used without data link connectivity, then the device can be removed from the aircraft and used on the ground, but the device cannot transfer information to or from the aircraft's EFB system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and ground use capabilityVSAvoidinformation transfer capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a trusted link and secure connection between the portable EFB device and the aircraft EFB system before information transfer occurs. This preliminary authentication and connection setup enables the portable device to access and transfer information to the aircraft system, resolving the contradiction by preparing the communication pathway in advance while maintaining security protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a secure connection is established between portable EFB devices and the aircraft EFB system, then information can be transferred securely, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure information transferVSAvoidconnection and authentication system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a messaging client as an intermediary component that facilitates secure communication between the portable EFB device and the aircraft EFB system. This messaging client handles the complex authentication and data transfer protocols, providing a simplified interface for users while maintaining robust security measures through the intermediary layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If Class 1 EFB devices are required to be stowed below 10,000 feet, then aviation safety is maintained, but flight crew members cannot access EFB functions during critical phases of flight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaviation safetyVSAvoidaccessibility of EFB functions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments EFB functionality between portable Class 1 devices and the aircraft's installed Class 3 EFB system. Portable devices can be used for information preparation and viewing during all flight phases, while the aircraft system handles critical functions during low-altitude operations. This segmentation allows flight crew to maintain safety protocols while having access to EFB capabilities when appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8732233B2Integrating portable electronic devices with electronic flight bag systems installed in aircraft

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An electronic flight bag apparatus includes an electronic flight bag (EFB) system installed in an aircraft and which interfaces with a ground network, and a portable EFB device connectible with the EFB system via a trusted secure connection. This apparatus makes it possible for a flight crew member to remove the portable device from the aircraft, enter flight information into the device in a convenient manner, and transfer the information to the installed EFB system. Auxiliary crew members may use the portable device during flight to assist the flight crew.