Aircraft Optical Network Using Fiber RF Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The weight of communication links, particularly coaxial cables, in aircraft contributes to increased weight, reducing fuel efficiency and aerodynamic performance, and there is a need for a lighter and more efficient method to transmit radio frequency signals within aircraft.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical fiber cables to replace coaxial cables for transmitting radio frequency signals, combined with electrical-to-optical converters and phase adjusters to align signal phases, allowing for modulated optical signals to be transmitted and converted into data signals, thereby reducing weight and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If coaxial cables are used to transmit radio frequency signals, then signal transmission is achieved, but the weight of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical coaxial cable system with an optical fiber communication system. Electrical-to-optical converters transform RF signals into optical signals that travel through lightweight optical fibers, eliminating the need for heavy coaxial cables while maintaining signal transmission capability through electromagnetic-to-optical energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from electrical domain to optical domain. By converting RF signals to optical signals and transmitting them through optical fibers, the system achieves weight reduction while preserving communication functionality through parameter transformation.
2Weight of moving object
If optical fiber cables are used to replace coaxial cables, then aircraft weight is reduced, but signal phase alignment becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase adjusters as intermediary devices in the optical signal path. These phase adjusters compensate for phase differences introduced by the optical fiber transmission, enabling precise phase alignment between multiple optical signals without requiring complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical phase adjustment mechanisms with optical phase adjustment mechanisms. Optical phase adjusters manipulate the phase of optical signals directly in the optical domain, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to electrical phase adjustment in the RF domain.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrical-to-optical converters are used, then weight is reduced and fuel efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional modules: RF signal reception, electrical-to-optical conversion, optical signal transmission through fiber, optical-to-electrical conversion, and RF signal reconstruction. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal optical fiber infrastructure that can carry multiple RF channels simultaneously through wavelength division multiplexing or time division multiplexing. This multi-functional optical backbone replaces multiple separate coaxial cable systems, reducing overall weight while managing complexity through resource sharing.
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 reduces the weight of the aircraft, enhances fuel efficiency, and improves aerodynamic performance by minimizing signal loss and enabling smaller antennas, while maintaining effective communication and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber cable extending through a vehicle; a second optical fiber cable extending through the vehicle; an optical source connected to a first end of the second optical fiber cable; wherein the optical source, when operating, transmits the optical signal through the second optical fiber cable
Implementation Method 2
each electrical-to-optical signal converter in the electrical-to-optical signal converters has a signal input connected to an antenna. Each of the electrical-to-optical signal converters, when operating, receives a radio frequency signal at the signal input from the antenna; receives the optical signal; modulates the optical signal using the radio frequency signal
Implementation Method 3
a phase adjuster, when operating, that aligns a first phase of a portion of the optical signal received by each electrical-to-optical signal converter with a second phase of the radio frequency signal received by each electrical-to-optical signal converter
Implementation Method 4
an optical signal receiver connected to a second end of the first optical fiber cable. The optical signal receiver, when operating, converts the modulated optical signal into a data signal
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transmission system comprises an optical fiber cable, an electrical-to-optical signal converter, and an optical signal receiver. The optical fiber cable extending through a vehicle. The electrical-to-optical signal converter is connected to a first end of the optical fiber cable and is connected an antenna. The optical signal converter, when operating, receives a radio frequency signal from the antenna; modulates an optical signal using the radio frequency signal to create a modulated optical signal; and transmits the modulated optical signal through the optical fiber cable from the first end. The optical signal receiver is connected to a second end of the optical fiber cable, wherein the optical signal receiver, when operating, converts the modulated optical signal into a data signal.