Aviation Headset Power via Differential DC Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aviation headsets face challenges in receiving electric power due to outdated interface standards that were not designed to supply power, leading to bulky and heavy control boxes for batteries, and potential signal distortion from high bias voltage.
Innovation Solution
Creating a differential DC voltage potential between the ground conductor of a microphone and an acoustic driver within the headset, allowing the headset to draw power without relying on a local power source, using a power injector assembly that shifts voltage levels between conductors to provide power through existing interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a local power source (battery) is carried in the control box to power newer headset functions, then the headset can support advanced features like noise reduction and wireless connectivity, but the control box becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the local control box and relocates it to the aircraft's existing electrical system. By using the aircraft's power infrastructure through the headset interface, the heavy battery is removed from the headset assembly, thereby reducing weight while maintaining support for advanced features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing headset interface serve multiple functions: it continues to support traditional audio communication while also providing power delivery to the headset. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power components in the control box, reducing overall size and weight.
2Power
If a high bias voltage (8-16V) is provided through the existing interface to power the microphone, then the microphone can operate, but the interface was not designed to supply power and generates signal distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different voltage levels to different parts of the interface. Instead of providing high bias voltage throughout the entire interface, it supplies a reduced, distortion-free voltage specifically to the microphone circuitry where needed, while maintaining clean signal paths for audio communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power injector assembly as an intermediary device between the aircraft interface and the headset. This intermediary conditions and regulates the power delivery, separating the power supply function from the audio signal transmission to prevent distortion while enabling power delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the existing interface standards (GA, U-174) are used for headset connection, then compatibility with aircraft ICS is maintained, but these interfaces were not designed to supply electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing interface standards to perform dual functions: audio communication and power delivery. By modifying the interface to include power delivery capability while maintaining original compatibility, the system achieves versatility without requiring entirely new interface standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The power injector assembly acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the legacy interface design and the power delivery requirements. It interfaces with the existing GA or U-174 connector while providing the necessary power, thereby maintaining compatibility without adding complexity to the base interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Electric power is provided to a two-way communications headset by creating a differential DC voltage potential between a ground conductor associated with a microphone of that headset and a ground conductor associated with an acoustic driver of that headset, thereby enabling that headset to refrain from drawing electric power from a more limited local power source.