Aircraft Power Distribution Network With Solid-State RDC Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional aircraft power distribution networks require redundant sensors and remote data concentrators (RDCs) connected to both sides of the aircraft, leading to increased weight and complexity due to the need for mechanical relay switching and non-standard RDC designs, which hinders the realization of flexible, simplex, integrated modular electronics architectures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of galvanically isolated power bus bars and RDCs with autonomous switching, utilizing exclusive OR logic and solid state relays, ensures that electrical power is supplied from only one RDC to an input/output device at a time, allowing for identical RDC hardware and reduced redundancy while maintaining segregation between bus bars.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant sensors and RDCs are connected to both sides of the aircraft with mechanical relay switching, then reliability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical relay switching with solid-state electronic switching components integrated into the RDC. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining the switching functionality required for bus bar isolation and redundancy management, thereby reducing weight and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RDC is designed with multi-functional capabilities including power distribution, I/O control, and autonomous switching operations. By integrating these functions into a single standardized unit, the system reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining reliability through sophisticated power management and isolation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If mechanical relay switching is used for bus bar isolation, then segregation between bus bars is maintained, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegregation between bus barsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical relay switching with solid-state electronic switching components integrated into the RDC. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining the switching functionality required for bus bar isolation and redundancy management, thereby reducing weight and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RDC incorporates autonomous switching capability that enables it to automatically isolate from one bus bar and connect to another without external control signals. This self-service functionality simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining proper bus bar segregation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-standard RDC designs are used for each location, then specific connection requirements are met, but manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The RDC is designed with multi-functional capabilities including power distribution, I/O control, and autonomous switching operations. By integrating these functions into a single standardized unit, the system reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining reliability through sophisticated power management and isolation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The RDC incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capability through autonomous switching that allows a standardized unit to adapt to different operational requirements and locations. The device can dynamically change its power source connections and I/O configurations without requiring physical reconfiguration or custom design for each installation location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9387935B2Aircraft power distribution network

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD

AI summary

An aircraft power distribution network comprising first and second galvanically isolated power bus bars, and first and second remote data concentrators (RDCs), each RDC having an input/output interface (I/O) and a power supply, the first RDC power supply being connected to the first power bus bar, the second RDC power supply being connected to the second power bus bar, an input/output device being connected to the I/O of the first RDC and to the I/O of the second RDC, each RDC being adapted to supply electrical power to the input/output device through its respective I/O, wherein each RDC includes a switch for isolating the input/output device, and the switches being operatively coupled such that electrical power cannot be supplied to the input/output device by both RDCs simultaneously. Also, a method of operating the network.