Aircraft Air Duct Using Visible Light for Data and Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wiring contributes significantly to the weight of aircraft, limiting payload capacity and increasing fuel consumption, and existing technologies lack efficient methods to transmit electrical power and data without using heavy copper or aluminum wires.
Innovation Solution
An air duct system that transmits air, visible light, and data using a visible light communication protocol, where a visible light source modulates light along a reflective inner surface to transmit data and photovoltaic devices convert light into electrical power, eliminating the need for traditional wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional copper or aluminum wiring is used to conduct electrical power and data, then reliable power and signal transmission is achieved, but aircraft weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with an optical communication system using visible light. The air duct system incorporates light-emitting components that transmit data and power through light signals, eliminating the need for heavy copper or aluminum conductors while maintaining transmission reliability through optical detection and conversion mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visible light as an intermediary medium to transmit both data and electrical power through the air duct system. The light acts as a carrier that can be modulated to convey information and simultaneously provides optical energy that can be converted to electrical power, replacing the direct electrical connection provided by traditional wiring
2Weight of moving object
If visible light is used to transmit data through the air duct, then wiring is eliminated and weight is reduced, but data transmission reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where photodetectors or photovoltaic devices detect the transmitted light signals and convert them back into electrical signals for processing. This closed-loop system allows for error detection, signal verification, and reliable data reconstruction, ensuring that data transmission through the optical medium maintains the required reliability standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modulates the visible light parameters (intensity, frequency, or timing) to encode data transmission. By varying light parameters according to communication protocols, the system reliably transmits information through the air duct while maintaining the optical transmission advantage of reduced weight compared to traditional wiring
3Weight of moving object
If photovoltaic devices are added to convert light into electrical power, then wiring is further reduced and power is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air duct system multi-functional by integrating photovoltaic devices that serve dual purposes: they detect light signals for data communication and simultaneously convert optical energy into electrical power to operate electronic devices. This eliminates the need for separate power transmission wiring while adding minimal complexity, as the same optical reception mechanism serves both communication and power generation functions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces aircraft weight by eliminating wiring, enhances fuel efficiency, and provides a lightweight method for transmitting electrical power and data, while also sanitizing air through ultraviolet light if needed.
Implementation Method 1
The main body of the air duct defines a passageway having a reflective inner surface. The visible light source directs the visible light along the reflective inner surface of the air duct.
Implementation Method 2
one or more photovoltaic devices disposed along the reflective inner surface of the air duct. A second portion of the visible light impinges against one of the one or more photovoltaic devices and is converted into electrical power provided to one of the corresponding electronic devices.
Implementation Method 3
a first portion of the visible light exits the air duct through one of the corresponding apertures to provide the data
Implementation Method 4
sanitizing air through ultraviolet light if needed
Data Source
AI summary
An air duct system for an aircraft provides passengers with light, data, electrical power, and sanitized air. The air duct system includes an air duct having a main body and a visible light source configured to generate visible light, where the visible light is modulated by one or more controllers based on a visible light communication protocol. The air duct system simultaneously achieves four functions for improving passengers' flying experience. First, a portion of the visible light transmitted by the air duct illuminates the interior cabin of the aircraft. Second, by modulating the visible light, the air duct system transmits and distributes data that is received by the passengers' electronic devices. Third, a portion of the visible light is converted into electrical power at each passenger seat to power passengers' electronic devices. Fourth, in embodiments, the visible light is emitted at a germicidal wavelength spectrum to create sanitized air.