Aircraft BPL Master Control for Secure Powerline Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data communication systems in aircraft require manual data download and lack efficient wireless data transfer capabilities, leading to increased demand for additional communication channels and potential structural modifications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing broadband over powerline (BPL) communication technology using existing aircraft ground power umbilicals to enable high-speed, secure data transfer between aircraft and ground systems, utilizing a master control unit and slave units with processors and powerline transceivers for data transmission and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual data download methods are used, then data transfer can be performed with existing infrastructure, but data transfer speed and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoiddata transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data download operations with automated electronic data transfer systems. The system automatically establishes connections, transfers data, and manages communication protocols, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly increasing transfer speeds while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data transfer system that acts as a bridge between aircraft systems and ground systems. This intermediary handles the complex communication protocols and data management, enabling high-speed automated transfer without requiring direct manual operations or significant infrastructure changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional communication channels are installed, then data transfer capacity increases, but structural modifications and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing power umbilical infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power transmission and data communication functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication cables and reduces infrastructure complexity while increasing communication capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges power transmission and data communication functions into a single existing infrastructure (the power umbilical). By combining these functions, the system avoids the need for additional separate communication channels and their associated structural modifications, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If power umbilical is used for data transmission, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but power and data signals may interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure utilizationVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power umbilical infrastructure into separate functional pathways - one for power transmission and another for data communication. This segmentation allows both signals to coexist on the same physical infrastructure without significant interference, while still utilizing the existing power umbilical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary signal processing components that manage the interaction between power and data signals on the shared umbilical infrastructure. These intermediaries filter, isolate, and condition signals to prevent interference while enabling both power and data transmission through the same physical medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates high-speed, reliable, and secure data exchange with minimal infrastructure impact, providing stable throughput and eliminating the need for additional cables, while ensuring data integrity and security.

Implementation Method 1

transmit and receive data carrier signals though the electrical conductor while power is supplied to the vehicle through the electrical conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPowerline communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4203333B1Method and apparatus for physical security over a powerline connection

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A broadband over powerline (BPL) master control unit is provided. The BPL master control unit includes a processor, a local memory device, a first wireless transceiver, a second wireless transceiver and a powerline transceiver. The processor is configured to transmit and receive data over a power line via the powerline transceiver. The processor is further configured to receive a plurality of data via the powerline transceiver, determine whether to route the plurality of data through the first wireless transceiver or the second wireless transceiver, and transmit the plurality of data via one of the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver based on the determination.