Aircraft Galley Wireless Optical Communication Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing galley control systems in aircraft face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively enabling frequent data exchange between multiple insert equipment and the controller due to aviation communication restrictions and the complexity of constructing a reliable wired communication network that complies with aviation regulations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless optical communication network using visible light and infrared light for communication between the galley controller and insert equipment, which eliminates radiated and conducted RF emissions, allowing for remote control and monitoring of insert equipment while reducing component count, weight, and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired CAN bus communication system is constructed between insert equipment and controller, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase due to aviation communication restrictions and wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired CAN bus communication system with an optical communication system using visible light and infrared light. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wiring between insert equipment and the controller, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through wireless optical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (visible and infrared) as an intermediary medium for communication between the controller and insert equipment. This intermediary enables information exchange without direct physical connections, simplifying the system architecture while ensuring reliable data transmission across the galley environment.
2Speed
If a wired communication network is installed to enable frequent data exchange, then communication speed is improved, but weight and space requirements increase due to wiring and communication equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical wiring infrastructure with wireless optical communication using visible light and infrared light. This eliminates the weight of cables and connectors while maintaining high data exchange speeds through optical signal transmission between the controller and insert equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the physical wiring component from the communication system, retaining only the essential light emitting and receiving elements. This extraction significantly reduces the overall weight and space requirements while preserving the high-speed data exchange capability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple dedicated control panels are provided for each insert equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that can communicate with and control multiple different types of insert equipment through wireless optical communication. This single multi-functional controller replaces the need for multiple dedicated control panels, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through a unified control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated control panels into a single integrated controller. By combining control capabilities for various insert equipment (ovens, refrigerators, coffee makers, etc.) into one device, the system reduces complexity and cost while preserving operational convenience through centralized control.
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
The wireless optical communication network enhances communication accuracy and reliability, reduces construction costs, and simplifies compliance with aviation regulations by minimizing the need for wired connections and associated regulatory compliance costs.
Implementation Method 1
transmission of visible light communication data from the visible light emitting panel of the galley controller to the visible light receiving element of the insert equipments
Implementation Method 2
transmission of IR communication data from the IR emitting element of the insert equipment to the IR receiving element of the galley controller
Implementation Method 3
a transmitter emits modulated light that is modulated in accordance with data to be transmitted from an organic electroluminescence (EL) light source
Implementation Method 4
A receiver receives the modulated light emitted from the OLED, converts the received light into an electric signal and demodulates data from the converted electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is provided that adopts a communication network using wireless visible light and IR light communications in a galley of an aircraft which is subjected to limitations of aviation regulations regarding wired communications. Insert equipments each having a visible light receiving element and an IR emitting element are disposed in a galley of an aircraft, and a galley controller is disposed within the galley or a circumference area thereof having a visible light emitting panel, an IR receiving element and a display/control panel for controlling the insert equipments. A mutual communication function between the galley controller and the insert equipments and a remote control function for controlling the insert equipments from the galley controller are realized via transmission and reception of visible light communication data and IR communication data.