Modular Aircraft Power Bus Segregation for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and inflexibility of electrical power and data communication harnesses in aircraft make it difficult to modify the list and placement of electrical equipment items, leading to increased weight, cost, and complexity, as well as challenges in adapting to changing configurations or adding new equipment.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electrical power distribution and data communication network using a set of buses with segregated paths and modular elements, allowing for easy addition or repositioning of equipment items without modifying the infrastructure, and enabling independent power supply and data links through connection points and local links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cable harnesses are used for electrical power distribution and data communication, then the system can be implemented in older aircraft generations, but the harnesses become increasingly complex, voluminous, and heavy in modern aircraft with more varied electrical voltages and numerous data communication links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional integrated cable harness into separate modular components: power distribution buses and data communication cables. Each bus is an independent module that can be configured separately, allowing the system to adapt to different electrical voltages and communication requirements without increasing overall complexity. The buses are segmented into discrete units that can be selectively activated based on the specific equipment installed in the aircraft.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable harnesses are produced specifically according to the list of electrical equipment items installed in the aircraft, then the harnesses can be customized for each configuration, but modifying the configuration after delivery becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power distribution system where the configuration of buses and connections can be changed after aircraft delivery. The modular bus architecture allows for reconfiguration by simply connecting or disconnecting bus sections and adjusting switching devices, eliminating the need for complex harness redesign. This dynamic approach enables the aircraft to adapt to new equipment lists or configuration changes without major manufacturing interventions.
3Productivity
If the list of electrical equipment items is defined and fixed early before production, then the harnesses can be designed and produced in time, but the ability to modify the list up to a more advanced stage in production is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the power distribution infrastructure in advance by installing modular bus sections and connection points during aircraft assembly, but leaves the final configuration flexible. The buses are pre-positioned with standardized connection interfaces and switching devices that can be rapidly configured later. This preliminary preparation enables both timely production and subsequent flexibility, as the basic infrastructure is ready but can be adapted to the final equipment list at any stage before delivery.
4Reliability
If traditional harnesses are used, then the electrical power distribution can be implemented, but the weight and cost of the network increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power distribution bus system that can handle multiple electrical voltages and serve both power distribution and data communication functions. Instead of having separate dedicated cables for each voltage level and communication link, the modular buses provide multi-functional capability. A single bus infrastructure can accommodate 28VDC, 115VAC, 230VAC, 270VDC, 540VDC, and other voltages, significantly reducing the total cable mass while maintaining full operational capability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular element for an electrical power distribution network of an aircraft comprises a section of a bus comprising connection points at different locations distributed along its length. The bus section comprises interconnection points making it possible to link the modular element to other modular elements arranged longitudinally in series with the modular element. Electrical conductors of the bus section are housed in an enclosure corresponding to a structural part of the aircraft. This enclosure comprises openings facing the connection points of the bus section, so as to allow the connection of at least one electrical equipment item of the aircraft to the bus section by means of a local electrical link.