Data plate

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.

1 . An electronic data plate comprising an input device for inputting data, a data storage device for holding the data, an output device for retrieving the data wherein the electronic data plate is attached to a frame so that attempted removal of the electronic data plate results in destruction of the data plate.  
   
   
       2 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 1 , wherein the data plate accepts data through the data input device, stores the data and allows the data to be retrieved through the output device only with a key.  
   
   
       3 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 2 , wherein the key is an electronic key.  
   
   
       4 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 3 , wherein the electronic key is created by the manufacturer.  
   
   
       5 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic data plate stores data comprising a date of manufacture of the frame, the manufacturer of the frame, a serial number of the frame, dates of manufacture of key components and the corresponding key components, and serial numbers of the key components.  
   
   
       6 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 5 , wherein the electronic data plate stores data further comprising dates of rebuilds, components and systems rebuilt, dates and extent of major repairs, dates and equipment upgraded.  
   
   
       7 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 5 , wherein the electronic data plate has a unique identifier that cannot be duplicated.  
   
   
       8 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 1 , wherein the electronic data plate monitors types of components installed on the frame.  
   
   
       9 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 8 , wherein the electronic data plate determines the status of components installed on the frame.  
   
   
       10 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 9 , wherein the electronic data plate monitors the components wirelessly.  
   
   
       11 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 8 , wherein the electronic data plate monitors the components using wires and wirelessly.  
   
   
       12 . An electronic data plate according to  claim 1 , wherein the data storage device is powered by a selfcontained power source.  
   
   
       13 . An uniquely identified electronic aircraft data plate, comprising a bottom piece fixedly engage to the aircraft and a top piece matingly engaged to the bottom piece wherein the connection between the bottom piece and the aircraft is hidden by the top piece, so that any attempt to separate or even view the connection between the bottom piece and aircraft frame causes the top piece to disengage from the bottom piece, rendering the electronic aircraft data plate inoperable.  
   
   
       14 . A uniquely identified electronic aircraft data plate according to  claim 13 , wherein the data plate receives data from key components updating the components' status including that it is installed, date installed and the serial number of the component.  
   
   
       15 . A uniquely identified electronic aircraft data plate according to  claim 14 , wherein the data plate further comprises a data storage device, data input device and a data output device.  
   
   
       16 . A uniquely identified electronic aircraft data plate according to  claim 15 , wherein the data input device receives wireless signals.