Integrated Avionics Antenna Array with Phosphor Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aviation wireless communication systems are bulky, heavy, and difficult to maintain due to the use of multiple discrete radio platforms with separate antennas, RF front and back ends, and user interfaces, which also pose challenges in efficiently measuring operating parameters like airspeed.
Innovation Solution
An integrated antenna array with a shared substrate and external covering that accommodates multiple radio frequency antennas and includes a phosphor material for ambient condition sensing, allowing for reduced space and weight while facilitating easier maintenance and airspeed measurement through light-based temperature determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple discrete radio platforms with separate antennas and RF components are used, then wireless communication functionality is ensured, but volume and weight of avionics equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete radio platforms, antennas, and RF components into a single integrated antenna array system. The array incorporates multiple antenna elements (at least four) that can serve multiple radio frequency platforms simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing overall system volume while maintaining communication functionality across different frequencies and platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna array is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple radio frequency platforms simultaneously. The array can support different communication standards and frequencies through its multiple elements, making a single system universal enough to replace multiple discrete platforms, thereby reducing volume without sacrificing functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete radio platforms with separate antennas and RF components are used, then wireless communication functionality is ensured, but weight of avionics equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete radio platforms, antennas, and RF components into a single integrated antenna array system. This consolidation eliminates redundant structural support, mounting hardware, and interconnections required for multiple separate platforms, directly reducing the overall weight of the avionics equipment while maintaining all necessary communication functions.
3Reliability
If multiple discrete radio platforms are mounted in cockpit cabinets or discrete cards, then radio functionality is available, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated antenna array is designed as a modular system where individual antenna elements and functional blocks can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to repair or replace only the specific faulty element within the array rather than dealing with multiple discrete distributed components, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining overall system functionality.
4Reliability
If discrete antennas are mounted external to fuselage at large distances from radios, then antenna radiation performance is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple antenna elements directly into an array structure that can be positioned closer to the radio platforms while maintaining effective radiation performance through constructive interference and proper element spacing. This merging eliminates the need for long external mounting structures and complex cable runs, reducing device complexity while preserving radiation characteristics.
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 solution reduces the volume and weight of avionics equipment, simplifies maintenance, and enables efficient measurement of airspeed by leveraging a compact, integrated antenna array and phosphor material-based temperature sensing.
Implementation Method 1
an aviation application setting antenna array comprises an external covering and at least four radio frequency antennas and a phosphor material that is exposed to an ambient condition of interest that are disposed underneath and that are protected by the external covering
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array for use in an aviation application setting comprises an external covering and at least four radio frequency antennas that are disposed underneath and that are protected by the external covering. A deposit of phosphor material is also disposed beneath this covering. This external covering is at least partially permeable to radio frequency signals and will provide at least a substantial barrier against external moisture and objects that might otherwise harm the antennas. This external covering can be fixed to an exterior surface of an aircraft. The four radio frequency antennas are electrically discrete from one another though also being configured as an integral mechanical structure. The phosphor material, in turn, can serve to facilitate detection of a parameter of interest, such as temperature or airspeed.