Data Bus-In-A-Box Optical Media Converter Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data bus architectures in aircraft require individually packaged optical media converters and star couplers, which are heavy, costly, and prone to optical attenuation, necessitating custom support and lengthy manufacturing processes, and are difficult to replace when faulty.
Innovation Solution
A data bus-in-a-box system integrates all optical media converters and couplers into a single compact unit with spare components, using a double-sided printed circuit board and industry-standard plastic optical fibers, reducing size, weight, and cost, while allowing for easy replacement and minimizing crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individually packaged optical media converters and star couplers are used, then optical signal conversion and distribution can be achieved, but the system becomes heavy, bulky, and costly with significant optical attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical media converters and star couplers into a single packaged unit. The optical media converters are mounted on a printed circuit board that is integrated with the star coupler assembly, eliminating the need for separate packaging and mounting of each component. This merging reduces overall system weight, volume, and complexity while maintaining optical signal conversion and distribution functionality.
2Ease of operation
If individually packaged units with custom support brackets and rails are used, then proper mounting can be achieved, but manufacturing and installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets and mounting rails are integrated into the single packaged unit rather than being custom-designed and installed separately for each component. The packaged unit includes pre-integrated mounting features that allow direct installation as one assembly, dramatically reducing manufacturing and installation time while maintaining proper mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets, mounting rails, and optical components are pre-assembled and pre-configured within the packaged unit before delivery. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for on-site customization and installation of individual components, reducing installation time and complexity while ensuring proper mounting capability.
3Reliability
If individually packaged optical media converters are used, then channel isolation can be maintained, but replacement of faulty units requires removal and reinstallation which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The packaged unit is designed with modular optical media converter modules that can be independently accessed and replaced. Each converter module is segmented within the package with its own access pathway, allowing individual module replacement without disturbing other channels, thus maintaining channel isolation while enabling easy repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaged unit includes pre-configured access mechanisms and module ejection features that allow quick removal and replacement of faulty optical media converters. The modules are pre-assembled with connection interfaces that enable tool-free or minimal-tool replacement, significantly reducing repair time while maintaining channel isolation through the packaged design.
4Strength
If custom designed support brackets and rails are manufactured for each unit, then proper structural support can be achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets and structural elements are integrated into the single packaged unit as part of the overall assembly rather than being custom-manufactured separately for each component. This merging allows the use of standardized manufacturing processes for the entire package, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining the required structural support strength.
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 design reduces installation costs, minimizes crosstalk, and enhances reliability by allowing for easy replacement of faulty components within the integrated system, maintaining high performance and reliability in avionic environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each transmit OMC tile (230) to perform electrical to optical conversion, and the receive OMC tile (230) to perform optical to electrical conversion
Implementation Method 2
industry-standard plastic optical fibers
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for a data bus-in-a-box (BiB) are disclosed. The system involves an electrical box, and at least one optical connector located on the box. The system further involves at least one mother board housed inside of the box, and comprising a transmit side comprising at least one transmit optical media converter (OMC) tile, and a receive side comprising at least one receive OMC tile. Also, the system involves first receive optical fibers that are each connected from at least one receive OMC tile to a receive coupler; and a second receive optical fiber connected from the receive coupler to one of the optical connectors. Further, the system involves first transmit optical fibers that are each connected from at least one transmit OMC tile to a transmit coupler; and a second transmit optical fiber connected from the transmit coupler to at least one of the optical connectors.