Aircraft Switch Isolating Red Black Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft communication networks face challenges in minimizing crosstalk between sensitive 'red' and non-sensitive 'black' signals, leading to increased costs and weight due to the need for segregated networks and components.
Innovation Solution
The development of communication equipment with electromagnetically isolated zones and controlled selectors allows for selective connection of receivers to signal sources, preventing interference between 'red' and 'black' signals, using optocouplers for unilateral signal transfer and mechanical grounding to prevent radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If red and black networks are totally segregated with dedicated communications management units, then crosstalk risk is minimized, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communications management unit is divided into three electromagnetically isolated zones: a first zone for red signals, a second zone for black signals, and a third zone for output. This segmentation allows separate signal processing while maintaining a unified device structure, reducing crosstalk risk without requiring completely separate dedicated units for each signal type.
Solution Approach 2:
A third transmission channel acts as an intermediary, receiving signals from either the first or second transmission channels through controlled selectors. This intermediary channel enables signal routing between different zones while maintaining electromagnetic isolation, allowing a single device to manage multiple signal types without direct interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If red and black networks are totally segregated with dedicated communications management units, then crosstalk risk is minimized, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated communications management units into a single integrated unit that handles both red and black signals. By combining these functions while maintaining electromagnetic isolation through zone separation, the overall weight is reduced compared to having separate dedicated units for each signal type.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated communications management unit is segmented into electromagnetically isolated zones for red and black signals. This segmentation allows the unified device to process different signal types separately without requiring physical separation into different units, thereby reducing weight while maintaining security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If controlled selectors are used to isolate transmission channels, then crosstalk is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled selectors are simultaneously controlled based on the operational state of transmission channels. When a transmission channel is active, its corresponding selector connects to the third transmission channel, while inactive channels have their selectors disconnected. This feedback-based control ensures proper signal routing and isolation without requiring complex independent control mechanisms for each selector.
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 solution simplifies aircraft communication network architecture by minimizing crosstalk risks while ensuring secure transmission of sensitive signals, reducing component multiplication and weight.
Implementation Method 1
defining electromagnetically isolated zones between them, of which: a first zone comprising a first transmission channel for transporting the signals of the first type
Implementation Method 2
The invention also relates to a unidirectional transfer of a signal from the first zone to the second zone through an optocoupler
Implementation Method 3
To prevent the first or the second transmission channel from radiating, it suffices for example to connect it to the mechanical ground constituted by the casing of the equipment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The equipment has a set of outputs (14a) that is connected to a receiver. A set of inputs (6a, 10a) is connected to two signal sources. A zone (3) comprises a transmission channel (7) for transmission of black type signals. A controlled selector (8) is interposed between one of the inputs and the transmission channel. The selector is associated with a control unit (18) such that the channel or another transmission channel is in active state and is connected to a third transmission channel. The former and the latter channels are provided in a passive state. An independent claim is also included for a communication network.