Abstract:
A system for tracking aircraft parts, that has a tamperproof part tracking device affixed to an aircraft part connected to a transmitter attached that sends a signal corresponding to the part tracking device to a receiver that relays the signal to a data processing device. The data processing device is connected to a database populated with data of expected values of signals related to an aircraft part. The data processing device compare the expected value to the signal and produces an output signal that indicate whether the signal was within the tolerance of the expected value.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Technical Field  
         [0002]     This invention generally relates to helicopter maintenance. More specifically, this invention relates to a system for tracking the helicopter and its key components throughout the lifespan of the helicopter to provide authentication that the helicopter can safely and legally be flown in a civilian fleet.  
         [0003]     2. Background Information  
         [0004]     As a helicopter is built it is important not only to the manufacturer to track the helicopter and the parts placed thereon, but also to the initial customer, subsequent purchasers, repair operations and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The value of a helicopter in the is directly dependant on the data plate. If the original data plate on a helicopter is absent, regardless of whether it was lost, damaged, removed, forgotten or missing, the data plate is assumed to have been deliberately removed. Based on that assumption, the FAA has regulated that a helicopter sans data plate is deemed not airworthy. If a helicopter is not airworthy, it may not be flown or transferred to another party. Additionally, it puts all the parts on the airframe in doubt as to whether the parts are serviceable.  
         [0005]     Presently the data plate is merely a piece of metal that is stamped with certain key data. It has the manufacturer&#39;s name, the date manufactured and the serial number of the helicopter at a minimum. Typically the data plate is artistically engraved, which makes it all the more desirable for someone to remove the data plate without intending to make the aircraft not airworthy. The effort involved in removing the data place is finding the properly sized screwdriver. The financial impact of removing a data plate without authorization is estimated to be a cost in the range of millions of dollars for a helicopter that still flies.  
         [0006]     One shortcoming of the invention is that someone who knew the data on the data plate could make a duplicate or similar data plate for sale to an owner missing the data plate. Given that the prior art data plate is merely an etched or engraved piece of metal, data plate duplication could be a highly lucrative, although illegal, business. A similar shortcoming is related to the black market business of selling existing helicopter data plates to helicopter owners without data plates.  
         [0007]     Another shortcoming of the prior art is that even though a helicopter may have had a data plate removed, the helicopter may still be suitable for flying. In order to recertify the helicopter and reissue the data plate, considerable time and energy must be spent checking all the aircraft systems.  
         [0008]     Yet another shortcoming of the current data plate is that if a helicopter has a data plate but is being cannibalized for spare parts because it is genuinely not airworthy, and another helicopter does not have a data plate whether airworthy or not, the first helicopter, except the airframe, could be rebuilt entirely with parts from the second helicopter with or without the help of certified mechanics. The end product is a complete helicopter, but certainly not the helicopter that was to which the data plate was attached. Given that the FAA allows the complete helicopter to keep its airworthiness status simply because it has the data plate, a subsequent purchaser or user and the original manufacturer has a tremendous risk associated with that complete aircraft.  
         [0009]     Still another shortcoming is that the data plates are not living documents. When the data plate is issued, it does not reflect any modifications to the aircraft, rebuilds or recalls, let alone major or minor component changes showing the certified source of the change and the maintenance involved.  
         [0010]     Additionally, even if a helicopter that has a data plate is resold, there exists a need to certify the condition of the helicopter. Currently, a subsequent purchaser of a helicopter cannot determine whether or not the components on a helicopter have been present for 10 days or 10 years or whether they are the original part. Because of the life of some helicopters exceeds 30 years before the first resale of the helicopter, a device that tracks the life of tracking critical parts is needed.  
         [0011]     A need therefore exists for a data plate that meets the intent of the FAA regulations as well as the needs of the aircraft manufacturers, buyers and sellers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The present invention overcomes the foregoing disadvantages of the prior art by providing an electronic data plate.  
         [0013]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a uniquely identifiable data plate that tracks critical information related to the helicopter to which it is attached.  
         [0014]     It is another object of this invention to create a data plate that is affixed to the helicopter as to be irremovable from the helicopter. A similar object is to provide a data plate that is destroyed upon removal.  
         [0015]     It is still another object of this invention to have a modifiable data plate that reflects updated parts, modifications, repairs, rebuilds and major and minor component changes.  
         [0016]     Another object of the invention is to prevent the creation and transfer of fictitious data plates. And another object of the invention is to prevent the transfer of genuine data plates.  
         [0017]     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a data plate that tracks the life span of critical parts.  
         [0018]     And another object of the invention is to provide a data plate that prevents the recertification of the aircraft before sale. Another object is to provide a data plate that certifies the status of the updates performed on the aircraft.  
         [0019]     And still another object of the invention is to provide a method for predicting the life of a component.  
         [0020]     These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing an electronic data plate that cannot be removed without being damaged. The data plate is designed to be updated with additional information about the helicopter.  
         [0021]     Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth in the detailed description herein, or will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also it should be appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated and discussed embodiments and uses of this invention may be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of present reference thereto. Such variations may include but are not limited to, substitution of parts, parts with equivalent actions, or multiple parts so that the parts function in a similar manner to that which is disclosed.  
         [0022]     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0023]     The detailed description of the present invention is given for explanatory purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the whole of the description is to be construed in an illustrative and not a limitative sense. The scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the extent of the claims that follow.  
         [0024]     The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that the all aircraft have a data plate. The current data plate is relatively simple and typically the data plate has the information required by the FAA plus some graphics as determined by the manufacturer etched or engraved into the surface. The data plate is then often simply riveted to the air frame in a conspicuous place.  
         [0025]     The embodiments of this invention range from a more secure electronic data plate that has minimal information as required by the FAA to an electronically complex data plate that is programmed to document the life history of the helicopter.  
         [0026]     In either case the electronic data plate disclosed herein comprises a data storage device. The data storage device is typically a CPU, a hard drive, non-volatile memory, a computer chip, or another other electronic storage device. Preferably, additional information may be input into the data storage device through an input device. There are numerous different ways to input new data into the data storage device. The methods depend on the type of input device. The input device could receive input from, for example, radio waves, IR, light, or a hardwire connection such as a telephone wire (twisted pair), fiber optics, or USB port. Additionally, there is at least one output device that is capable of outputting the data either in electronic form, for instance a data file, or graphical form like a monitor or display.  
         [0027]     Typically the electronic data plate will be attached to the aircraft in manner that the data plate cannot be removed. Preferably, the data plate will be permanently damaged if there is any attempted removal of the data plate. One method of securing the data plate to the aircraft is to selectively rivet the data plate closely to the aircraft. Any attempt to pry, cut or otherwise remove the data plate, the data plate or aircraft will readily show the attempt. Another method of affixing the data plate to the aircraft is provide a data plate comprising two parts including a bottom part the may be permanently secured to the aircraft and a top part that matingly engages the bottom part. If the connection between the bottom part and the aircraft is hidden or overlapped by the top part so that any attempt to remove to the bottom part from the aircraft will cause the top part to disengage from the bottom part permanently damaging the data plate.  
         [0028]     If the data plate is securely fastened to the aircraft and any attempt to move it would prove futile, the next inclination would be to try to duplicate the data plate or to trick the data plate. The data plate can be protected from duplication by providing a unique electronic identifier. The unique electronic identifier would be an encrypted algorithm or preferably a lock and key security device similar to the way secure internet transactions are handled. In either case the ability to open the data plate could rest with the manufacturer so that the manufacturer could help the customer as appropriate.  
         [0029]     With this invention, the manufacturer can ensure that the data plate correctly reflects the replacement of major parts including, for example on a helicopter, blades, transmission, tail rotor, engines, and avionics. It is within the scope of the invention to have the updating of parts in the data plate be done automatically or manually. If the update is manual, in order to ensure that only authorized changes are input into the data plate there is an algorithm that allows the continual changing of passwords for each transaction or session. With the continual changing of passwords, a person who was authorized to make one change to the data plate is unable to reuse it to make multiple changes. This allows the manufacturer to have some level of confidence that when helicopters are transferred in the secondary marketplace, that the original helicopter has been maintained and repaired according to its specifications. This is a key issue in the event of a helicopter crash or injury related to the helicopter that results in a lawsuit. If the update is automatic, it may either be hardwired or wireless. If it is wireless, the helicopter data plate would periodically query the components of the helicopter and determine if the installed component matched the database information for the component that should have been installed. If it does not match, that information including time and date would be recorded. In any event there is preferably a way to manually correct errors provided that the correct password or key was given to the data plate.  
         [0030]     Another preferred embodiment is that the data plate is self-powered. By being self-powered, the data plate can keep its own clock for its records or database. Preferably a rechargeable battery connected to the aircraft power system would be used, and a backup battery would preserve the internal clock. Another advantage of having a self-powered battery is that it can record when and for how long the main power had been off.  
         [0031]     In order that someone does not just download the information and create their own data plate, there should also be keys, passwords or codes preventing the unauthorized download of information.  
         [0032]     It is envisioned that upon transfer of the aircraft, the seller and buyer would request codes from the manufacturer and the manufacturer would either provide a person to pass through the security of the data plate or would give the required information to the seller and buyer so that together they can compare the information on the data plate to present state of the aircraft. In doing so, the buyer and seller can find a better market price by having more equal information about the aircraft. The manufacturer can help its customers find a secondary market for the aircraft. The manufacturer is able to ensure the quality of its products long after the product leaves the assembly line.  
         [0033]     Further yet, it should be understood that the foregoing relates only to a preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that numerous changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.