Aircraft Sensor Network Wireless Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft maintenance processes are hindered by the inability to automatically determine the location of devices and sensors within aircraft, due to weight restrictions and complexity of electrical wiring, limiting the extensive use of sensors for monitoring system conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor node with a sensor unit and communication unit that records high-frequency signal parameters, allowing for wireless data transmission to a central processing unit for position determination, enabling accurate localization of sensor nodes and reducing the need for external power supplies through self-sufficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are extensively used to monitor aircraft system conditions, then monitoring capability is improved, but weight and electrical wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired electrical connections with wireless communication technology. Sensors communicate their data and location information wirelessly to a central processing unit, eliminating the need for extensive electrical wiring throughout the aircraft while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single wireless sensor node: sensing physical quantities, determining position through wireless signal analysis, and transmitting data. This multi-functionality reduces overall system weight by eliminating separate positioning systems and extensive wiring infrastructure.
2Reliability
If sensors are extensively used to monitor aircraft system conditions, then monitoring capability is improved, but electrical wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired electrical connections with wireless communication technology. Sensors communicate their data and location information wirelessly to a central processing unit, eliminating the need for extensive electrical wiring throughout the aircraft while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
3Productivity
If automatic location determination is implemented, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor nodes automatically determine their own positions by analyzing wireless signals from neighboring nodes without requiring external positioning infrastructure. This self-service capability enables automatic location determination for maintenance purposes while keeping individual sensor nodes relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses bidirectional wireless communication where sensors transmit data and simultaneously receive signals from neighboring nodes for position determination. This feedback mechanism enables automatic location tracking without complex external positioning systems, improving maintenance efficiency through automated device tracking.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor network for determining the position of devices and pieces of equipment in an air vehicle. The sensor network comprises several sensor nodes, which have a self-sufficient power supply. The sensor nodes can communicate wirelessly with each other and with a central computing unit. It is possible to determine the position of each individual sensor node by evaluating high-frequency signal parameters.