Modular Aircraft Control System with Interruptible Link for Anti-Hijacking Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft control systems are difficult to retrofit with anti-hijacking capabilities after initial construction and certification, as modifications are time-consuming and expensive, and there is a need for a cost-effective way to enable alternate sources of control in case of hijacking or pilot incapacitation.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft control system is designed with modular components, including an interruptible link that allows for the connection of an alternate source of control module, enabling easy upgrade and retrofitting of anti-hijacking features without removing existing equipment, allowing for transfer of control from on-board pilots to alternate sources such as autopilot or remote pilots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aircraft control systems are designed with complete alternate source of control capability from the beginning, then security against hijacking is improved, but initial construction cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into modular components: the existing aircraft control system and a separate alternate source of control module. This segmentation allows the security capability to be added as a distinct module rather than redesigning the entire control system, thereby improving security without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft control system is designed with an interruptible link and connection interface in advance, preparing the infrastructure for future alternate control capability. This preliminary action enables the alternate source of control module to be connected when needed, providing security improvement without requiring complete system redesign at the initial construction phase.
2Reliability
If aircraft control systems are modified after certification to add anti-hijacking capabilities, then security is improved, but modification time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alternate source of control is implemented as a separate connectable module rather than integrating it into the existing control system. This segmentation allows the module to be added as a distinct unit without requiring removal or modification of existing certified equipment, significantly reducing modification time and avoiding costly recertification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface and interruptible link are designed with universal compatibility to work with various aircraft control systems. This universality allows the alternate source of control module to be retrofitted into different aircraft types using standard connection procedures, reducing modification time and complexity across multiple platforms.
3Reliability
If existing aircraft equipment is removed and replaced with new anti-hijacking equipment, then security capability is improved, but retrofitting cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anti-hijacking capability as a separate alternate source of control module that connects to the existing system rather than removing existing equipment. This extraction approach allows the new capability to be added independently, preserving existing functional equipment and simplifying the retrofitting process to merely adding the new module rather than complete system replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus is disclosed for disabling on-board pilot operation of an aircraft and transferring aircraft operation to an alternate source of control. The aircraft has an aircraft control system for controlling at least one controlled component, such as an aircraft attitude control surface or an aircraft engine throttle. The apparatus is of modular construction, and includes two control modules. A first control module has an interruptible link that passes the first control signals from the control device to the aircraft control system. This first control module has a first connecting device for (i) interrupting the link and (ii) directing said first control signals to a second control module. The second control module is adapted to be connected to (e.g. plugged into) the first control module, and has a second connecting device. This connecting device is responsive to third control signals, for connecting one of (i) the first control signals received from the first control module and (ii) second control signals received from an alternate source of control, to the aircraft control system for control of the aforementioned controlled component.