Power Line Communication for Aircraft Cargo Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in aircraft require additional cabling for both power and communication, which increases weight, complexity, and installation costs, and necessitates additional protection measures due to the proximity of power and communication wires.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Power Line Communication (PLC) technology to transmit signals between a power source and Power Drive Units (PDUs) within an aircraft cargo system using the same electrical power line, eliminating the need for dedicated communication wires and reducing the number of wire harnesses and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated communication wires are used alongside power lines, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines communication and power transmission functions into a single electrical wire. The PLC modem modulates communication signals onto the power line carrier, allowing both power delivery and data communication to occur simultaneously over the same physical medium, thereby eliminating the need for separate communication wiring harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power line is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a power delivery medium and as a communication channel. The PLC node and modem architecture allows the wire to perform dual functions: transmitting electrical power to loads and simultaneously carrying modulated communication signals for control and monitoring.
2Reliability
If additional protection circuits are installed for power and communication wires, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection functions are merged into a unified PLC system architecture. The PLC node includes integrated protection circuits that simultaneously protect both the power transmission and communication functions, eliminating the need for separate protection mechanisms for dedicated communication lines.
3Reliability
If separate power lines and communication wires are used, then communication quality is improved, but weight and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and communication into a single wire infrastructure, directly reducing the total weight of wiring harnesses in the aircraft. By eliminating redundant communication wires and their associated connectors and mounting structures, significant weight savings are achieved while maintaining communication functionality through PLC technology.
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 approach simplifies the communication architecture, reduces weight and size, decreases the complexity of installation, and eliminates the need for additional protection circuits, resulting in a more robust and cost-effective communication system for aircraft cargo handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
said first PLC node being capable of sending said signal between said first PLC node and said second PLC node via said electrical power line
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for exchanging information between a cargo handling system of an aircraft and a Power Drive Unit (PDU) are described herein. The systems include a power source provided within the aircraft and a first PDU provided within the aircraft. The power source is capable of providing DC power to the at least one PDU via an electrical power line. The power source further including a first Power Line Communication (PLC) node and the PDU further including a second Power Line Communication (PLC) node. The first PLC node being capable of communicating with the second PLC node via the electrical power line.