Busbar Waveguide Integration for Aircraft Cable Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircrafts face a significant weight burden due to the numerous cables required for energy and control signal supply to electronic components, which can be mitigated by employing a busbar with a waveguide for wireless electromagnetic data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A busbar with a waveguide and transceivers is integrated into the aircraft's electrical supply system, allowing electromagnetic waves to propagate within a cavity defined by the waveguide without loss, preventing unintended signal interference and allowing for the reduction of additional weighty components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable connections are used for power and control signals, then electronic components can be supplied reliably, but the aircraft's overall weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission (busbar) and data transmission (waveguide) into a single integrated component. The busbar structure includes both conductor rails for electrical power and a waveguide cavity for electromagnetic signal transmission, eliminating the need for separate cable connections and reducing overall weight while maintaining reliable supply to electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The busbar component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power through conductor rails, transmits control signals via electromagnetic waves in the waveguide cavity, and serves as a structural element. This multi-functionality replaces traditional single-purpose cables, reducing weight while ensuring reliable power and signal delivery
2Quantity of substance
If electromagnetic waves are used for data transmission, then the number of cables is reduced, but unintended signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electromagnetic wave propagation path into a dedicated waveguide cavity within the busbar structure. This isolated cavity confines electromagnetic waves, preventing them from escaping and interfering with other electronic components, while still enabling cable-free data transmission between transceivers
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide cavity acts as an intermediary structure that guides electromagnetic waves from transmitting transceivers to receiving transceivers. This intermediary confines and directs the electromagnetic energy, ensuring signals reach their intended destinations without causing unintended interference to surrounding electronics
3Loss of energy
If a waveguide is added to the busbar, then electromagnetic waves can propagate without loss, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide cavity is integrated directly into the busbar housing structure, sharing the same physical space and manufacturing process. This merging approach allows electromagnetic wave propagation without loss while avoiding the complexity of separate waveguide components, as the cavity is formed as part of the existing busbar assembly
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 solution effectively reduces the number of cables needed, enhances structural rigidity, and prevents cross-influences among electronic components, thereby minimizing weight and improving aircraft integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide defines a cavity along the component in which electromagnetic waves can propagate with essentially no loss
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a busbar (100) with a waveguide (110); a housing (120); and a plurality of conductor rails (130) arranged in the housing (120); wherein the busbar (100) has an elongated shape, wherein the waveguide (110) defines a cavity (111) along the busbar (100) in which electromagnetic waves can propagate with substantially no loss, and wherein the waveguide (110) has at least one opening (112) through which the cavity (111) is accessible. Furthermore, the present invention provides an electrical supply system and an aircraft.