Wireless Aircraft Sensor Power Harvesting Without Hardwired Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hardwired aircraft sensors result in significant weight and signal integrity issues due to wire fatigue and electromagnetic coupling, impacting fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor system utilizing a piezoelectric or triboelectric generator powered by aircraft movement to charge sensors via a wireless energy harvesting mechanism, eliminating the need for local batteries and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired sensor systems are used, then signal integrity and power supply are ensured, but weight increases significantly and fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the wiring infrastructure from the sensor system, replacing hardwired connections with wireless communication. Sensors transmit data and receive power wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating physical wires entirely from the sensor-to-ground path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electromagnetic field-based system. Power is transmitted through electromagnetic coupling between a transmitter on the aircraft body and a receiver at the sensor location, substituting physical electrical connections with wireless energy transfer.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hardwired sensor systems are used, then power supply is ensured, but weight increases and fuel economy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power delivery mechanism from physical wiring and implements wireless power transfer. An electromagnetic transmitter embedded in the aircraft structure generates electromagnetic fields that couple with a receiver at the sensor location, delivering power without physical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical electrical wiring system with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. Power is delivered through inductive or capacitive coupling between transmitter and receiver coils, replacing the need for heavy gauge wires and connection terminals.
3Weight of moving object
If wireless sensor systems are used to reduce weight, then fuel economy improves, but signal integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-function wireless system where the same electromagnetic coupling mechanism serves both power transfer and data communication purposes. The transmitter and receiver pair handles both energy delivery and signal transmission, eliminating the need for separate wiring for power and data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical wiring with electromagnetic field-based communication. Sensors modulate the wireless power signal or use separate wireless channels to transmit data back to the aircraft systems, maintaining signal integrity through electromagnetic coupling rather than physical wire connections.
4Weight of moving object
If wireless energy harvesting is implemented, then weight is reduced and fuel efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power reception and data transmission functions into a single integrated wireless communication interface. The sensor node combines the electromagnetic receiver, power management circuitry, sensing elements, and wireless transmitter into one compact unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functional components where the wireless communication module handles both power reception and data transmission. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed compared to traditional hardwired systems that require separate power and data wiring.
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
The system provides reliable power to sensors without wires, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing electromagnetic interference, while maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric generator transforms the vibrations into a voltage output
Implementation Method 2
A piezoelectric or triboelectric generator transforms the vibrations into a voltage output
Implementation Method 3
An electric-to-mechanical transducer transduces the wireless charging signal to vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensor system for a vehicle includes a controller, a wireless transmitter in electronic communication with the controller, a sensor, and a generator device. The generator device includes a wireless receiver in wireless communication with the wireless transmitter. The generator device further includes an electric-to-mechanical transducer in electronic communication with the wireless receiver and a piezoelectric or triboelectric generator proximate to or in contact with the electric-to-mechanical transducer. The generator device further includes an energy-storage device. The energy storage device includes an input in electronic communication with the piezoelectric or triboelectric generator, and an output in electronic communication with the sensor.