Broadband Over Power Line Modules for Aircraft Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing temporary communication networks within aircraft during manufacturing, service, and maintenance is challenging due to the undesirable weight of permanent wired networks, the time-consuming installation and removal of temporary wired networks, and the interference of wireless signals with fuselage materials, which also complicates testing and inspection of electrical power distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the aircraft's electrical power distribution system as a wired communication medium by communicatively coupling BPL communication modules at different locations to establish communication links, transmit data, and determine the operational characteristics of the electrical power distribution system, thereby optimizing communication and testing processes without adding weight or disrupting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent wired communication network is installed in the aircraft, then communication reliability is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power distribution system is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both electrical power transmission and data communication functions simultaneously. The BPL modules couple to existing power lines to transmit communication signals, allowing the power distribution infrastructure to serve dual purposes without adding dedicated communication wiring, thus avoiding weight increase while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is merged with the power distribution system by using the same physical infrastructure (power lines) for both power delivery and data transmission. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate communication cabling, reducing overall system weight while ensuring reliable communication through the established power distribution network.
2Reliability
If a temporary wired communication network is installed, then communication is established, but installation and removal time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the aircraft's existing self-contained power distribution infrastructure to provide communication capabilities. BPL modules couple to the already-installed power lines, which automatically carry communication signals without requiring separate installation procedures. This self-service approach eliminates the time-consuming process of installing and removing temporary communication wiring, as the power distribution system is already in place and continuously available.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless communication is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but signal transfer quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power distribution lines serve as an intermediary medium for data transmission, replacing direct wireless communication between points. By coupling BPL modules to the power lines, communication signals are transmitted through the conductive power distribution infrastructure, which provides stable signal transfer quality comparable to wired connections while maintaining the installation simplicity of wireless deployment, as no additional wiring is required.
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 approach enables efficient on-ground communication and testing of electrical power distribution systems within aircraft, reducing production time and costs, and minimizing downtime by leveraging existing electrical infrastructure, while providing real-time performance monitoring and trending analysis.
Implementation Method 1
two broadband over power line (BPL) communication modules are communicatively coupled to an electrical power distribution system of an aircraft at different locations
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods and systems for on-ground communication using an electrical power distribution system of an aircraft. Specifically, two broadband over power line (BPL) communication modules are communicatively coupled to an electrical power distribution system of an aircraft at different locations. A communication-initiation request is transmitted between these modules and, in some examples, is used to establish communication between the modules. In more specific examples, the receiving module determines received parameters of the communication-initiation request, which depend, at least in part, on characteristics of the electrical power distribution system. The received parameters are compared with expected parameters, and an operating indication of the electrical power distribution system is generated based on this comparison. In some examples, the operating indication is used to verify configuration of the electrical power distribution system (e.g., during aircraft assembly), service requirements (e.g., during aircraft operation), and the like.