Aircraft Cockpit LiFi Power and Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aircraft systems rely on hardwired connections for data and power transmission, which limits mobility, is prone to wear and tear, and susceptible to electromagnetic interference, making them inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Light Communication (LC) systems using LEDs and photodetectors to transmit data and power wirelessly through visible and invisible light spectrums, allowing for the creation of LC access points that provide power and data to aircraft systems, including Electronic Flight Bags, within defined regions or attocells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired connections are used for data and power transmission, then system reliability is maintained through stable physical connections, but device mobility is limited and the system becomes prone to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hardwired connections with optical wireless communication using light transmission. LC transmitters convert electrical signals to optical signals that propagate through air to LC receivers, eliminating physical connectors and cables. This substitution maintains communication reliability through stable optical links while enabling full device mobility without wear and tear on connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for power and data transmission. LC transmitters modulate light signals carrying data and power information, which are then received and demodulated by LC receivers. This intermediary optical channel replaces direct electrical contact, providing both connection stability through controlled light transmission and device mobility by removing physical connection requirements.
2Reliability
If hardwired connections are used for power and data transmission, then power delivery is reliable, but the system becomes susceptible to electromagnetic interference and connection wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical conduction with optical transmission for power and data delivery. LC transmitters convert electrical power signals to optical signals that carry power information wirelessly through air to receivers. This replacement eliminates electromagnetic radiation from traditional cables, removing the source of electromagnetic interference while maintaining reliable power delivery through stable optical links that are immune to such interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical conductors to optical waves. By transmitting power and data through light instead of electrical cables, the system fundamentally alters the physical parameter of transmission, achieving immunity to electromagnetic interference that affects electrical systems while maintaining reliable power delivery through the optical channel's inherent stability.
3Ease of operation
If light communication systems are implemented, then device mobility is enhanced and electromagnetic interference is reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional LC transmitters and receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality where LC transmitters and receivers serve dual purposes: data communication and power transmission. The same optical components that carry data signals also transmit power information, eliminating the need for separate systems. This universal approach enhances device mobility through wireless operation while managing system complexity by consolidating functions into integrated optical components rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data communication and power transmission into a single optical communication channel. LC transmitters combine data and power signals into unified optical transmissions, and receivers integrate both data and power reception functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed compared to having distinct systems for data and power, thereby enhancing mobility while controlling overall system complexity through functional integration.
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
Enables flexible and reliable data and power transmission, reducing the need for physical connections, enhancing system mobility and reducing the risk of interference, while providing high-speed communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The LC transmitter may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
The LC transmitter may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Implementation Method 3
The LC receiver may be a photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for utilizing aircraft cockpit and cabin lighting to provide both power and data transmission to occupants. Data and power may be transmitted on non-visible and/or visible spectrums. The visible light may be used independently for aircraft illumination. Data for the cockpit allows for quick upload and download of flight planning and maintenance data to an electronic flight bag. The electronic flight bag may also be able to receive power from cockpit and cabin lighting during flight.