Aircraft Cabin Module Power Supply Cable Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for supplying power to aircraft cabin modules are complex and heavy due to the large number of separate data and voltage supply lines, making assembly difficult and increasing fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A system where a single cable with an electrical data line transmits both data signals and supply voltage, using an isolating circuit to separate the data from the DC offset voltage, allowing for simplified wiring and reduced weight by using a daisy chain configuration with electromagnetic shielding cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate data lines and voltage supply lines are used, then data transmission and power supply can be performed independently, but the wiring becomes very complex and the number of cables increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent data transmission and power supplyVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data transmission and voltage supply functions into a single cable by superimposing data signals on the voltage supply line. This merging approach reduces the number of separate lines from multiple data lines plus power lines to a single combined line, thereby simplifying wiring while maintaining functional independence through signal separation at the receiver end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage supply line is designed to serve dual purposes: it provides power supply voltage to the aircraft cabin module while simultaneously carrying data signals. This multi-functionality is achieved through additive superposition of the data signal on the DC offset voltage, allowing a single line to perform both power delivery and data communication functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If more cables and lines are laid for separate data and power supply, then reliable independent transmission is ensured, but the weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent data and power transmissionVSAvoidaircraft weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging data transmission and power supply into a single cable, the patent directly reduces the total weight of wiring in the aircraft. The combined cable carries both functions, eliminating the need for separate heavy power cables and data cables, thereby reducing overall aircraft weight while maintaining transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate connectors are used for data and power lines, then independent connections are possible, but assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent connectionsVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate connectors (data connector and power connector) into a single combined connector that handles both data transmission and voltage supply through the same cable. This consolidation simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of connection steps and components, while the internal design of the connector maintains separate contact points for data and power functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 significantly reduces the number of cables needed, simplifying assembly, decreasing aircraft weight, and conserving fuel by enabling efficient power transmission with reduced line count and allowing for hot-pluggable modules.

Implementation Method 1

The isolating circuit (5) separates the received data signal from the supply voltage applied to it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2238029B1Method and system for the voltage supply of aircraft cabin modules
Publication Date: 2011.06.15 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP2238029B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2238029B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2238029B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system and a method for the voltage supply of aircraft cabin modules (1). A cable (3) is used to transmit an electric supply voltage and an additive data signal. The aircraft cabin modules (1) comprise connecting plugs (2) for connection to the cable (3) and a separation circuit (5) which separates the transmitted supply voltage from the data signal.