Aircraft Wireless Communication System Using Repeater Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft communication systems are inflexible and costly to upgrade, with physical cables leading to bandwidth limitations and high latency, restricting the adoption of advanced wireless technologies for efficient data transfer between remote sensors and external networks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that uses repeater stations and access points to enable wireless data transfer between remote sensors, consolidating communications and translating protocols to facilitate real-time monitoring and communication with ground or satellite systems, eliminating the need for physical cable re-routing and accommodating multiple communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical cables and fiber optic links are used for data transfer, then reliable communication is achieved, but bandwidth limitations and high latency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with a wireless communication system using antennas and radio frequency signals. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of cables (bandwidth limitations and latency) while maintaining communication reliability through proper antenna design, signal processing, and error correction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication medium from electrical signals in cables to electromagnetic waves in free space. This parameter change enables higher data transfer speeds and reduced latency while maintaining reliability through appropriate frequency selection, power control, and signal processing techniques.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cable routes are designed into aircraft structure during manufacturing, then stable communication infrastructure is established, but flexibility to adapt to new technologies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed mechanical cable infrastructure with a wireless communication system that uses antennas and radio frequency signals. This substitution provides infrastructure stability through proper antenna placement and mounting while enabling high adaptability to new technologies, as wireless systems can be upgraded by software updates or antenna replacements without requiring structural modifications to the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic communication system where wireless signals can be redirected, routed, and reconfigured through software control. This allows the communication infrastructure to adapt to new technologies and requirements without physical reconfiguration, while maintaining stable operation through controlled signal management and interference mitigation.
3Productivity
If long cable runs are used to connect remote sensors, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but substantial line losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long cable runs with wireless communication between remote sensors and the aircraft's communication system. This substitution eliminates signal loss associated with long cable runs while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage through strategically placed wireless sensors that transmit data via radio frequency signals without the attenuation problems of electrical cables.
4Reliability
If conventional communication systems with physical infrastructure are used, then established communication is achieved, but costly retro-fitting and recertification are required for changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical cable installation and routing system with a wireless communication system. This substitution achieves reliable communication establishment through antenna placement and signal configuration, while dramatically reducing modification costs for upgrades or changes, as wireless systems can be modified by software updates or antenna replacements without costly retro-fitting or recertification processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft may include an onboard wireless communication network. The network may include an access point disposed on the aircraft and at least one repeater station disposed spaced apart from the access point and capable of wireless communication with the access point or at least one remote sensor configured to wirelessly transmit information for delivery to the access point via a first wireless communication link. The at least one remote sensor may monitor at least one remote component of the aircraft and generating the information based on data indicative of an operational parameter or a status of the at least one remote component.