Distributed Wireless Power Distribution System

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing a power distribution network that wirelessly powers sensors, micro-powered devices, and micro-powered switches that perform passenger functions as needed. An exemplary implementation in an aircraft is a switch used to control an overhead reading light, which is wirelessly powered to operate, and which communicates with and is controlled by a control system, also via wireless communication. An alternative application may be, for example, sensors located in storage areas where conventional wiring is inaccessible.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application is an international application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 417,179, filed October 18, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a system and method for wirelessly powering multiple sensors and / or micro-powered devices that perform sensing and control systems, for example, within an aircraft environment.

[0003] [Background of the invention] Typical electrical power systems on aircraft today provide power to devices through direct connections to the power system provided by aircraft generators, power distribution systems, power monitor and control units, and power conversion units. This direct wired connection provides power to devices requiring power. The power provided can be in the form of alternating current, for example, 115 VAC at 360-800 Hz, 110 VAC at 60 Hz, or a suitable DC voltage of 5 VDC or 28 VDC, or any other form required by the equipment being powered. Because relatively large amounts of power, ranging from a few watts to hundreds of watts, are supplied to these devices, direct electrical connections through wires are generally the most suitable method of connection and power delivery. As an increasing number of small, micro-powered sensors and other devices are utilized within the aircraft environment, wired connections and power delivery to these devices through conventional means add physical size and weight to the system and place a burden on the aircraft. Additionally, this limits the placement of these sensors to locations where wired connections can be made without intruding into the aircraft's passenger space.

[0004] As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a method of powering these micro-powered devices is needed for future deployments of linked and powered sensors within the aircraft environment.

[0005] [Summary of the Invention] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing a power distribution network that wirelessly powers sensors, micro-powered devices, and micro-powered switches that perform passenger functions as needed. An exemplary implementation is a switch used to control an overhead reading light, where the switch is wirelessly powered to operate and the switch communicates with and is controlled by a control system, also via wireless communication. An alternative application may be, for example, a sensor located in a storage area where conventional wiring is inaccessible.

[0006] The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like components. For the purpose of illustrating aspects of the present application, certain preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that application is not limited to the exact configurations, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and devices shown, and that the configurations, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and devices shown may be used alone or in combination with other configurations, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and devices. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, and are presented merely to illustrate example embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system architecture diagram depicting wired and wireless connections between the power system, wireless sensors, and data collection points; [Figure 2a]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power supply unit for converting aircraft AC power into a form usable by passengers to power electronic devices, while also providing radio frequency (RF) power to power sensors and devices that require micro-power levels to operate. [Figure 2b] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a radiating antenna integrated into a seat power box. [Figure 3a] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a radiating antenna that can be added to an existing seat power box. [Figure 3b] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power supply unit for converting aircraft DC power to provide radio frequency (RF) power to power sensors and devices that require micro-power levels to operate. [Figure 4a] FIG. 10 illustrates a lighting control switch and crew call button that may be wirelessly powered. [Figure 4b] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a patch receiver antenna used to receive power wirelessly. [Figure 4c] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the circuitry for wirelessly receiving power, interfacing with the reading light control switch and the attendant call light / switch, and transmitting data to the control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Detailed Description of the Invention] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the system of the present invention may be applicable and utilized in many different scenarios. However, one advantageous application is particularly suited to long, narrow vehicles, such as airplanes. Although radiating antennas may be used to wirelessly deliver power, radiating antennas tend to rapidly lose power transmission the farther a person moves from the antenna source. Available energy decreases as the square of the distance. Furthermore, additional power is lost due to obstruction or absorption by materials between the antenna and receiver. Thus, as a person moves within the aircraft away from the antenna source in the direction of desired power use, energy transmission deteriorates.

[0009] According to one embodiment, power is supplied via wired conductors to many small RF emitters spaced throughout the service area. At each RF emitter, power can be supplied via additional wired connections to specific devices in the immediate area, such as devices in a seat group on an aircraft. In addition, each RF transmitter wirelessly supplies power for other wireless devices in the local area. The RF transmitter has a target frequency that aligns with the receiver antenna on the desired sensor or switch assembly that will receive the power wirelessly. This frequency can be in the 300 MHz to 5.8 GHz range and can transmit enough energy to power remote wireless devices as well as transmit communications from the powered wireless devices back to the host device's central control system. Using either the 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz frequency range allows for power harvesting from other unintended RF sources, such as local Wi-Fi wireless communication systems.

[0010] In aircraft applications, power for each RF emitter is supplied from the aircraft generator system via wired conductors to the input of a power conversion unit in each seat area or grouping. The power conversion unit converts aircraft power into a form usable by higher-power devices, such as cell phone chargers or laptops, and delivers this power to an outlet unit that provides convenient connection to the passenger's electronic device, such as a universal AC outlet or a USB Type-A or Type-C connection. In addition, a radiating antenna and wireless transmitter are provided with each power converter in the system, targeting small or low-power wireless devices within a short distance of each power converter. This distance is typically equal to the radial area encompassing the seat group in which the RF antenna or radiating antenna is installed, plus a slightly larger area for overlap with adjacent seat groups that provide full cellular coverage.

[0011] The system provides radiant power to devices that require only micropower, generally defined as less than 0.1 watts, to power themselves through energy harvesting, communicate with a host device, and perform their desired functions, such as switches to activate lights, passenger occupancy sensors, luggage rack utilization sensors, and seat belt status sensors, to name just a few.

[0012] Many wireless methods exist for harvesting energy from RF sources, such as RFID, wireless energy from radio wave signals, etc. One advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that it overcomes the need for large transmitters in a local area or space. In general, targeted energy harvesting is achieved by using many distributed sensor nodes, typically including a receiver for RF energy at each node and a source of radiated energy that supplies many nodes within a local area.

[0013] In an aircraft environment, it is often difficult to reliably transmit information or power due to the tubular structure of the aircraft. As a signal propagates from a power source (transmitter) to a receiver, power decreases as the square of the distance from the transmitter. To transmit enough energy to a device and harvest enough energy to operate the device, the source must either generate enough energy to overcome the loss due to distance, or minimize the distance from the transmitter to the receiver.

[0014] For wireless communication, there are typically multiple wireless communication access points, for example 3-6, depending on the length of the aircraft. These data distribution systems require high-power transmitters to overcome distance losses to attached devices, such as tablets or phones for wireless data transmission. To wirelessly transmit enough energy to the device for harvesting and utilization, the transmitter would have to increase power exponentially as distance increases.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the present invention overcomes the need for large transmitters in aircraft environments where the distribution of wireless power can interfere with wireless data transmissions for passenger or aircraft device data, and where the transmission of high power signals can interfere with aircraft-critical systems, such as flight navigation, or can disable data transmissions.

[0016] Local cellular power transmission mitigates these drawbacks by mounting small desired RF emitters on seat-mounted equipment at different locations within the aircraft. Most aircraft today include either in-flight entertainment (IFE) or PC power systems, or both, within the seat structure. These systems include a power distribution network that powers these systems from aircraft-generated power. Mounting desired RF power transmitters on these systems creates a power "bubble" in the vicinity of the seat structure to which the RF power transmitter is mounted. Because the distance from the local transmitter to the receiving device is now much smaller, local energy harvesting devices in this vicinity can be powered by the desired RF transmitter. In a typical aircraft, 50 or more transmitters may be distributed throughout the cabin, for example, wherever a seat-mounted power converter or seat interface box is mounted.

[0017] Wireless sensors in the seat area powered by energy harvesting can then harvest from a local source and transmit within this local area to send information to a data collection system, such as a cabin service system (CSS) or IFE system, for further handling and processing of tasks, such as activating lights, sensing seat belt status, passenger presence, or monitoring bin volume.

[0018] In addition to being powered by either PC power or the IFE network, the overhead lighting system can also be adapted to the RF power transmission capabilities for devices in the overhead area of ​​use. Again, this keeps the power levels required to power devices, such as bin sensors (overhead), oxygen mask and bottle status sensors, light sensors, etc., very low.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary localized wireless power distribution system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Each seat power box 110-121 (drawn as a rectangle) is used to supply AC power for a personal electronic device (PED), DC power for other devices, or both. In addition, the seat power box, along with a radiating antenna 125, transmits an RF signal used by other devices 130 in the immediate area for energy transmission / harvesting. The semicircular arc 140 symbolically represents the local area within which power may be wirelessly broadcast to receiving devices. The arc also symbolically represents the fainter and smaller power supply as the distance from the radiating antenna increases.

[0020] In the example of Figure 1, AC power is connected to seat power box 110 and daisy-chained from seat power box 101 to seat power box 102. Each of seat power boxes 110-121 contains an RF energy generator connected to an RF transmitting antenna to transmit this power to wireless or remote sensors / switches 130 within the local area of ​​the seat group.

[0021] Sensors and other devices 130 located within the area of ​​each seat structure include a receiving antenna 135 that is used to capture RF energy, where it is converted to direct current that is then used and stored by the sensor or device 130, allowing the sensor or device 130 to perform its designed function and respond, as needed, to the seat power box 110-121 or other access point device.

[0022] These wireless sensors or devices 130 may include switches, passenger presence sensors, seat belt sensors, and many other sensor types. Each sensor 130 captures and converts received energy for use in processing the sensor or device input and presenting that data over a wireless connection to an access point on the aircraft.

[0023] Each sensor / switch 130 is wirelessly powered by an RF transmitter and operates to process and transmit the state of the sensor / switch to a data collection system, such as the data collection system outlined in U.S. Patent No. 9,978,011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other systems that harmonize the transmitted output may also be used, such as, for example, onboard wireless data systems used for in-flight entertainment.

[0024] FIG. 2a is a block diagram of power supply unit 200, which converts aircraft AC power into a form usable by passengers to power electronic devices, while also providing radio frequency (RF) power to power sensors and devices that require micropower levels to operate.

[0025] AC power is connected to the input of a seat power box, e.g., 110, where it is converted to high-voltage DC through a power factor correction converter 210. The high-voltage DC is further converted via a high-voltage DC-to-AC inverse converter 220 to either an AC or DC output 9250, 260, 270) for use by the attached PED. Additionally, a DC-to-RF converter 230 processes the available DC power and supplies it to an RF transmitter at a target frequency for transmission to a remote wireless device, such as a sensor or switch. The transmission frequency is typically in the range of 300 MHz to 5.8 GHz. To ensure that the wireless power distribution system does not cause communication degradation within the local area, the specific frequency to be used can be selected to be within a frequency band that does not interfere with other systems in the vicinity of the radiating antenna.

[0026] FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating an exemplary physical configuration of a seat power box, e.g., 110, showing a power supply unit 200 as well as a radiating antenna 240 on top of the power supply, which is integrated into the seat power box.

[0027] FIG. 3a is a diagram of a radiating antenna 340 that can be added to an existing seat power box, eg, 110. FIG. FIG. 3b is a block diagram of a power supply unit 200 for converting aircraft DC power to provide radio frequency (RF) power for powering sensors and devices that require micropower levels to operate. The DC voltage is available at the output of a power supply, such as 5-28 VDC, typically found on any system mounted on an airline seat. The DC input is first applied to a DC voltage regulator 310, which then provides its output to a DC-RF transmitter 320, which converts the DC signal into an equivalent RF signal. The RF signal is then provided to the radiating antenna 240 for output by the radiating antenna 240 as an electromagnetic wave to power the sensor or switch 130.

[0028] FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating a lighting control switch 410 and a crew call button 420 that may be wirelessly powered. 4b is a diagram of a patch receiver antenna 450 used to receive power wirelessly. Such a patch receiver antenna 450 may be fixed on or near the sensor / switch 130 to receive power to supply the sensor / switch 130.

[0029] 4c is a block diagram of a circuit 500 for including power switch assemblies 510, 512 that receive RF energy for harvesting, convert the RF to a usable DC voltage / current, receive input from two switches used as attendant call and reading light controls, and transmit appropriate data to a receiving system that controls the overhead reading lights and attendant call functions. More specifically, an energy harvesting antenna 520 operates to receive electromagnetic waves (including power) and provides the input signal to an RF-to-DC rectifier converter 530, which operates to reduce the frequency of the input signal from an RF frequency signal to a DC level signal. This DC signal is used to power a microcontroller and an RF transmitter 540. The microcontroller portion communicates with and provides power to the sensor / switch 130 via selectively controlled switches 510 and 512. The microcontroller portion also operates to receive signals (e.g., the state of the sensor / switch 130) and provides these signals to an RF transmitting antenna, which then transmits these sensor / switch signals via electromagnetic waves to the seat power boxes, e.g., 110-121.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention has many applications and can be implemented in a variety of ways, and is therefore not limited by the above-described embodiments and examples. Any number of features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined in a single embodiment, the location of certain elements may be changed, and alternative embodiments having fewer or more features than all of the features described herein are possible. Functionality may also be distributed, in whole or in part, among multiple components in ways now known or to become known.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is therefore understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to encompass modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention. While essential features of the present invention as applied to exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made in the form and details of the disclosed invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, the scope of the present invention encompasses both previously known and future-developed variations and modifications of the components described herein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A wireless power distribution system, comprising: a plurality of power radiating antennas, each receiving power via a conductor and radiating an electromagnetic signal that provides power within a local area adjacent each antenna; a plurality of energy harvesting devices operable to receive a portion of the radiated electromagnetic signals and to provide power based on the received radiated electromagnetic signals to a plurality of remote electronic devices; a plurality of signal receiving antennas, each operable to receive a communication or status signal associated with one of the plurality of remote devices; A wireless power distribution system comprising:

2. 10. The wireless power distribution system of claim 1, A wireless power distribution system, wherein each power radiating antenna and each respective corresponding signal receiving antenna are formed as a single antenna structure.

3. 10. The wireless power distribution system of claim 1, 10. A wireless power distribution system, wherein at least one of the plurality of signal receiving antennas comprises a patch receiver antenna.

4. 10. The wireless power distribution system of claim 1, At least one of the plurality of energy harvesting devices further comprises an energy harvesting antenna.

5. 5. The wireless power distribution system of claim 4, The wireless power distribution system, wherein at least one of the plurality of remote electronic devices comprises a sensor or a switch.

6. 6. The wireless power distribution system of claim 5, At least one of the plurality of energy harvesting devices further comprises an RF-DC converter operable to convert a plurality of electromagnetic signals received by the energy harvesting antenna into DC signals for powering the sensor or the switch.

7. 7. The wireless power distribution system of claim 6, further comprising: A wireless power distribution system comprising a controller operable to communicate with the sensor or the switch.

8. 8. The wireless power distribution system of claim 7, The wireless power distribution system, wherein the controller includes a microcontroller and is operable to receive a status signal from the sensor or the switch and provide the status signal to a transmitting antenna operable to transmit the status signal in the form of an electromagnetic signal.

9. 8. The wireless power distribution system of claim 7, The wireless power distribution system, wherein the controller includes a microcontroller and is operable to provide a control signal to the sensor or the switch.

10. 1. A wireless power distribution system for an aircraft, comprising: a plurality of power radiating antennas distributed along a long dimension of the aircraft fuselage, each receiving power via a conductor and radiating an electromagnetic signal that provides power within a local area adjacent each antenna; a plurality of energy harvesting devices operable to receive a portion of the radiated electromagnetic signals and to provide power based on the received radiated electromagnetic signals to a plurality of sensors or a plurality of switches remotely located within the airframe; a plurality of signal transmitting antennas operable to transmit electromagnetic signals corresponding to a state of one of the plurality of sensors or the plurality of switches; a plurality of signal receiving antennas, each operable to receive the electromagnetic signal associated with one of the plurality of sensors; A wireless power distribution system comprising:

11. 11. The wireless power distribution system of claim 10, At least one of the plurality of power radiating antennas is positioned near a seat power box of the aircraft.

12. 11. The wireless power distribution system of claim 10, A wireless power distribution system, wherein each power radiating antenna and each respective corresponding signal receiving antenna are formed as a single antenna structure.

13. 11. The wireless power distribution system of claim 10, 10. A wireless power distribution system, wherein at least one of the plurality of signal receiving antennas comprises a patch receiver antenna.

14. 11. The wireless power distribution system of claim 10, At least one of the plurality of energy harvesting devices further comprises an energy harvesting antenna.

15. 15. The wireless power distribution system of claim 14, At least one of the plurality of energy harvesting devices further comprises an RF-DC converter operable to convert a plurality of electromagnetic signals received by the energy harvesting antenna into DC signals for powering the sensor or the switch.

16. 16. The wireless power distribution system of claim 15, further comprising: A wireless power distribution system comprising a controller operable to communicate with the sensor or the switch.

17. 17. The wireless power distribution system of claim 16, The wireless power distribution system, wherein the controller includes a microcontroller and is operable to receive a status signal from the sensor or the switch and provide the status signal to a transmitting antenna operable to transmit the status signal in the form of an electromagnetic signal.

18. 20. The wireless power distribution system of claim 17, The wireless power distribution system, wherein the microcontroller is operable to control the sensor or the switch.

19. 11. The wireless power distribution system of claim 10, The wireless power distribution system, wherein the plurality of power radiating antennas are positioned with an overhead lighting system that supplies power for devices in an overhead area of ​​the aircraft fuselage, such overhead devices including stowage bin sensors, oxygen mask and bottle status sensors, or light sensors.

20. 1. A wireless power distribution system, comprising: a plurality of power radiating antennas distributed throughout the coverage area, each receiving power via a conductor and radiating an electromagnetic signal that provides power within a local area adjacent each antenna; a plurality of energy harvesting antennas operable to receive a portion of the radiated electromagnetic signals and to provide power based on the received radiated electromagnetic signals to a plurality of sensors or a plurality of switches remotely located within the coverage area; at least one controller operable to receive a status signal from the sensor or switch or to provide a control signal to the sensor or switch, and further operable to provide the status signal to a transmitting antenna operable to transmit the status signal in the form of an electromagnetic signal; a plurality of signal receiving antennas, each operable to receive the electromagnetic signal associated with one of the plurality of sensors; A wireless power distribution system comprising:

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