Aircraft Store Interconnections Using Zenneck Surface Waves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connections between carriage stores and platforms, such as aircraft, are difficult to install, prone to damage, require specialized training, and are vulnerable to interference, leading to inefficiencies and potential launch failures.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing Zenneck surface waves for transmitting electrical signals between carriage stores and platforms, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling and reducing the risk of damage during installation and launch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical connectors and umbilical cables are used for electrical interconnections, then electrical signals can be transmitted between carriage stores and platforms, but the connectors are prone to damage during storage and launch, and installation is difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector durabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connector system with an electromagnetic coupling system. Instead of physical plugs and sockets that require manual alignment and connection, the invention uses electromagnetic fields to establish electrical connections between the carriage store and platform. This eliminates the mechanical wear, misalignment, and damage issues associated with traditional connectors while maintaining reliable electrical signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the carriage store and platform electrical systems. The electromagnetic coupling mechanism acts as a mediator that transfers electrical signals without requiring direct mechanical contact between connectors. This intermediary approach allows for non-contact or minimal-contact electrical interconnection, reducing mechanical stress and damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard MIL-STD-1760 connectors are used, then electrical interconnections can be established, but specialist training is required and different carriage stores have different sets of connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidconnector variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electromagnetic coupling interface that can work with different carriage store types without requiring different physical connectors. The electromagnetic coupling mechanism provides a standardized, type-agnostic connection method that eliminates the need for multiple specialized connector sets, thereby improving adaptability while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electrical connection from mechanical contact to electromagnetic coupling. This parameter change transforms the connection mechanism from one that requires precise mechanical alignment and physical contact to one that uses electromagnetic fields, thereby standardizing the interface across different carriage store types and eliminating the need for specialized training on various connector types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If mechanical connectors are used for electrical connections, then electrical power and signals can be transmitted, but the connectors are vulnerable to electrical interference and detritus ingress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical interference vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the physical openings and contact points that are vulnerable to detritus ingress and electrical interference. The electromagnetic field-based transmission method is inherently more resistant to environmental contaminants and electromagnetic interference compared to exposed mechanical connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dielectric barriers or shielding structures (analogous to flexible shells) that contain and direct the electromagnetic fields between the carriage store and platform. These dielectric structures protect the electromagnetic coupling mechanism from detritus while maintaining field transmission, and provide shielding against external electrical interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Facilitates quick installation and reduces damage risk, while being less susceptible to interference, ensuring reliable communication and operation.

Implementation Method 1

communicating between the carriage store and the platform using Zenneck surface waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectZenneck surface waves: Surface Acoustic Wave

Data Source

PatentEP3802318B1Improvements in electrical interconnections between aircraft or other mounting platforms and carriage stores mounted thereon

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 MBDA UK

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AI summary

A method of operating a carriage store (420), mounted on a platform (410), comprising communicating between the carriage store (420) and the platform (410) using Zenneck surface waves (460). A carriage store (420) is also described for mounting on a platform (410), the carriage store (420) including a transmitter (430a and 430b) and/or receiver (430a and 430b) configured to communicate with the platform (410) using Zenneck surface waves (460).