Aircraft Cavity Resonators for Wireless Power and Data Transmission

Solution Overview

Problem

Copper wires used in aircraft for data communications and power transmission add weight, increase fuel consumption, emissions, and pose installation and maintenance burdens, along with electromagnetic compatibility concerns.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing aircraft structures with properties of electromagnetic cavities to enhance wireless transmission for data communication and power transmission, creating a wireless bus that functions as a waveguide or cavity resonator to propagate RF signals and power efficiently, reducing the need for copper wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copper wires are used for data communications and power transmission, then reliable electrical interconnects are provided, but weight increases and fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical interconnect reliabilityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical copper wire interconnect system with an electromagnetic wireless transmission system using cavity resonators. The aircraft structure incorporates cavity resonators that transmit power and data signals wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical copper wire connections while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The aircraft structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously acts as an electromagnetic cavity resonator for wireless power and data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate copper wiring systems, reducing weight while maintaining communication and power transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If copper wires are installed throughout the aircraft, then electrical interconnects are provided, but installation time and maintenance burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical interconnect reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical copper wire interconnect system with an electromagnetic wireless transmission system using cavity resonators. The aircraft structure incorporates cavity resonators that transmit power and data signals wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical copper wire connections while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If copper wires are used for power transmission, then power delivery is achieved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the aircraft structure, which would normally be a source of EMI from copper wire degradation, into a beneficial electromagnetic cavity resonator. The controlled cavity structures guide and contain electromagnetic fields, transforming potential interference into directed power and data transmission channels that improve overall electromagnetic compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If copper wires are used throughout the aircraft, then electrical interconnects are provided, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical interconnect reliabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical copper wire interconnect system with an electromagnetic wireless transmission system using cavity resonators. The aircraft structure incorporates cavity resonators that transmit power and data signals wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical copper wire connections while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 weight, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs while improving data rates and energy gathering capabilities, providing reliable and efficient wireless communication and power transmission with reduced electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

These structures, when excited at frequencies (e.g., 100 MHz to 100 GHz), may exhibit characteristics of fundamental mode waveguide propagation as well as higher-order resonant cavity modes. Electromagnetic radiation may be propagated from end-to-end of a structure as in an electromagnetic waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

introduce a standing wave, such as with a cavity resonator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCavity resonator: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS8026857B2Wireless data communication and power transmission using aircraft structures having properties of an electromagnetic cavity

Publication Date: 2011.09.27 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An aircraft structure having properties of an electromagnetic cavity is used to enhance wireless transmission for at least one of wireless data communication and wireless power transmission.