Machine-Component Waveguides for Reliable Electromagnetic Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In gas turbine engines, the challenge lies in establishing reliable electromagnetic communication across components with difficult access due to moving parts and harsh environments, where traditional wiring is bulky, expensive, and prone to failures, and electromagnetic sensor technologies face interference and capability limitations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a shielded electromagnetic network using waveguides filled with gases or liquids as dielectric media within machine components, allowing for reliable communication of parameters like pressure, temperature, and vibration through electromagnetic signals, reducing cable requirements and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wiring is used for sensor communication, then reliable communication can be established, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and vulnerable to interconnect failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electromagnetic field-based communication system. Sensors communicate wirelessly through electromagnetic signals that propagate through the machine components, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine components serve dual functions: they perform their primary mechanical operations and simultaneously act as transmission media for electromagnetic communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring infrastructure, reducing device complexity while enabling reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cable routing is extended to reach difficult locations, then sensor coverage is improved, but cable cost, volume and weight exceed desired limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor coverageVSAvoidcable weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy cable routing with lightweight electromagnetic signal transmission. Sensors in difficult-to-access locations communicate wirelessly through electromagnetic fields that can penetrate machine components, eliminating the need for extensive cable routing and significantly reducing system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system transitions from one-dimensional cable routing through physical space to three-dimensional electromagnetic field propagation through machine components. This allows sensors to communicate from any location within the machine without being constrained by cable routing paths, improving adaptability while reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If electromagnetic sensor technologies are applied, then wiring constraints are addressed, but communication reliability is challenged by potential interference from internal or external sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring easeVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for communication between sensors and external systems. This intermediary allows wireless transmission through machine components while providing natural shielding and isolation from external electromagnetic interference, maintaining communication reliability without extensive wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables efficient, reliable, and cost-effective electromagnetic communication within gas turbine engines by using existing components as waveguides, reducing cable weight and cost, and enhancing system redundancy and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A remote processing unit is configured to establish electromagnetic communication through a machine to one or more sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The waveguide may include a waveguide medium that is a gas or a liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric properties: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3291040B1Electromagnetic communication through components of a machine

Publication Date: 2022.09.28 RTX CORP

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AI summary

A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of sensing / control / identification devices (68a, 68b) distributed throughout the machine. Each of the sensing / control / identification (68a, 68b) devices is associated with at least one sub-system component (70, 74) of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals (86). Shielding (84) surrounds at least one of the sensing / control / identification devices (68a, 68b) to contain the electromagnetic signals (86) proximate to the at least one sub-system component (70, 74). A communication path is integrally formed in/on a component of the machine to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals (86) through the component. A remote processing unit (66) is operable to communicate with the network of the sensing / control / identification devices (68a, 68b) through the electromagnetic signals (86).