Flight Component Signal Authentication for Hardware Power-State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems face challenges in securely and efficiently controlling the power states of high-voltage components like inverters and actuators without relying on processors and software, which are prone to failure and require complex wiring.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hardware circuit, such as a programmable logic device, to authenticate bus signals and control the power states of components like inverters and actuators based on pre-programmed identifiers, ensuring secure and reliable transitions independent of software and processor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If processor and software control is used to manage power states of flight components, then operational flexibility and control capability are improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to software failures and hacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two independent parts: a hardware circuit layer that handles power state transitions and a software layer that handles operational control. The hardware circuit contains an authenticator that verifies commands from flight controllers before executing power state changes, isolating critical power management from software vulnerabilities while maintaining communication bus integration for system coordination.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional wiring harnesses are used to connect flight controllers to components, then electrical connections are established, but device complexity increases due to extensive wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electrical communication bus system. Flight controllers and flight components communicate through digital signals on the communication bus, eliminating the need for extensive point-to-point wiring harnesses. The hardware circuit on the flight component receives authenticated commands from flight controllers via the bus, reducing physical wiring complexity while maintaining system connectivity.
3Reliability
If hardware circuits are used to control power states independently of software, then system reliability and security are improved, but operational flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authenticator as an intermediary between the communication bus and the power state control logic. The authenticator verifies commands from flight controllers using stored identifiers before allowing power state transitions. This intermediary layer ensures that only authenticated commands can change power states, maintaining reliability while allowing the flight control system to manage operational flexibility through the communication bus interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for state control of a flight component of an electric aircraft that includes a high voltage connection to a power supply of the electric aircraft and a communication connection to a communication system of the electric aircraft. The flight component is configured with a hardware circuit designed and configured to receive and/or read a signal on the communication system, compare an identifier of the signal against a stored identifier of the flight component, and in response to the identifier matching the stored identifier, cause the flight component to change from a first state to a second state.