Broadband Over Power Line Vehicle Data Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft and other vehicles face challenges in communicating data due to limitations in cellular or satellite connectivity, particularly at regional airports and military airfields where conventional data exchange services, such as GateLink networks, are not available.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Broadband over Power Line (BPL) communication system using a ground-based power cart that supplies power to the vehicle and enables data communication via a power line, allowing for the caching of web content based on network demand and updating data using cached content during travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular or satellite networks are used for data communication, then connectivity is available, but the system is limited by cellular or satellite connectivity and cannot be used at all locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Ground-Based Power Unit (GPU) with BPL communication capabilities as an intermediary device. This GPU acts as a mediator between the aircraft and ground-based networks, enabling data communication through the power line infrastructure that exists at all airports, not just those with cellular or satellite coverage. The BPL modem in the GPU modulates data signals onto the power line carrier, allowing communication where traditional methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power line infrastructure universal by enabling it to carry both power and data signals simultaneously. The BPL technology allows the existing power distribution network at airports to serve dual purposes: delivering electrical power to aircraft and transmitting data communications. This eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure and makes data access available at any location with power infrastructure.
2Reliability
If GateLink networks are deployed at all airports, then broadband communication is available, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power distribution function and data communication function into a single infrastructure - the power line. By combining these two functions, the system eliminates the need for separate communication networks like GateLink at every airport. The BPL technology allows data signals to ride on top of the existing power lines, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining broadband availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ground-Based Power Unit serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between existing power infrastructure and data communication needs. Rather than requiring complex dedicated communication networks at each airport, the BPL unit translates data signals into formats that can be transmitted over standard power lines, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If wireless networks are used for data exchange, then communication is possible, but regulations prevent certain aircraft data from being sent via wireless networks
Solution Approach 1:
The BPL communication system acts as an intermediary that bypasses wireless transmission restrictions. By using the power line as a wired communication medium, the system transmits aircraft data through a channel that is not subject to the same regulatory constraints as wireless networks. The power line serves as a secure, regulated-free pathway for data exchange between aircraft and ground systems.
4Loss of information
If data is transmitted in real-time over wireless networks, then up-to-date information is available, but network demand and bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching web content and data during periods when the aircraft is grounded and connected to the BPL network. This advance preparation ensures that frequently accessed information is already available locally, eliminating the need for real-time wireless transmission during flight and reducing overall network bandwidth consumption while maintaining data freshness.
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
Enables broadband communication between vehicles and ground-based networks where conventional services are unavailable, providing efficient data exchange and updating of content for in-flight entertainment and other systems.
Implementation Method 1
initiating a Broadband over Power Line, BPL, link between the vehicle and the ground-based unit when power is supplied to the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for communicating data between a vehicle and a ground-based unit are provided. The method includes communicatively coupling the vehicle to the ground-based unit, initiating a Broadband over Power Line (BPL) link between the vehicle and the ground-based unit when power is supplied to the vehicle, and updating data stored in the vehicle with data received from the ground-based unit.