Modular Control Assembly Authentication Using Nameplate Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern assemblies, such as aircraft with gas turbine engines, require complex control systems that are difficult to modify and verify the authenticity and integrity of modular components.
Innovation Solution
An embedded processing system with processing circuitry and memory, capable of receiving and comparing nameplate information from modular components, communicating with authenticated components, and identifying faults, while optionally encrypting data and allowing for reconfiguration without faulty components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used in control systems, then adaptability and ease of manufacture are improved, but reliability and security against counterfeits deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of modular components by comparing nameplate information against stored reference data before allowing the component to be integrated into the control system. This pre-verification process ensures that only authentic components are accepted, preventing counterfeits from entering the system while maintaining modular adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication process that acts as a mediator between the modular component and the control system. The nameplate comparison mechanism serves as this intermediary, verifying the component's identity and authenticity before establishing full integration, thus ensuring reliability without compromising modular flexibility.
2Reliability
If complete control systems are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent modular components, each with its own nameplate for authentication. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through structured verification while enabling easy manufacture and modification, as individual modules can be produced separately and authenticated independently before integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its authentication process based on the modular configuration. As modules are added or modified, the system performs targeted authentication only on the affected components rather than requiring complete system verification, thus maintaining reliability while facilitating ease of manufacture and modification.
3Reliability
If authentication processes are implemented, then reliability against counterfeits is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication function is extracted as a separate, dedicated process that compares nameplate information independently from the main control functions. This extraction isolates the complexity of authentication into a discrete mechanism, ensuring reliable counterfeit prevention while preventing the complexity from propagating through the entire control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses nameplate copying and comparison - creating a reference copy of the nameplate information and comparing it against the component's presented nameplate. This copying mechanism provides reliable authentication through a simple comparison process, avoiding the need for complex verification procedures while maintaining high security against counterfeits.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An embedded processing system includes processing circuitry (114), a memory system (116), and a plurality of attached modular components. The attached modular components are each provided with a nameplate including at least part and serial number data. The processing circuitry is operable to receive the nameplate information from each of the attached modular components and compare the received nameplate information with stored nameplate information for the particular attached modular component. The processing circuitry is operable to communicate with the attached modular component if the received nameplate information matches the stored nameplate information and identify a fault if the received nameplate information conflicts with the stored nameplate information. A method and an assembly (90) are also disclosed.