Double-Ridge Waveguide for RF Power and Noise-Resistant Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aerospace environments, complex control and health monitoring systems face increased failure probabilities due to high interconnect counts, leading to bulky and vulnerable cabling that adds weight, susceptibility to noise, and limitations in sensor and actuator placement, with power lines causing crosstalk and signal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide system utilizing a double-ridge waveguide with a metallic shell surrounding a polymer core, capable of transmitting communication and radio frequency power between nodes, reducing the need for physical cabling and mitigating noise interference, and allowing for more efficient and reliable data transmission in aerospace environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cabling systems are used to connect sensors and actuators to controllers, then system components can be interconnected, but weight increases substantially and reliability decreases due to susceptibility to noise and interconnect failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical cabling systems with an optical waveguide system. Optical fibers transmit data and power through light signals instead of electrical currents through copper wires, eliminating the weight and noise susceptibility associated with traditional electrical cables while maintaining interconnect functionality between sensors, actuators, and controllers
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits data communication signals and delivers power through the same optical fiber infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power cables and data cables, thereby reducing overall system weight while improving reliability by consolidating interconnect paths
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wires and wire harnesses are used to connect system components, then interconnect coverage increases, but susceptibility to noise effects and signal degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission through multiple wires with optical signal transmission through waveguides. Optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference and noise that plagues electrical cabling, allowing extensive interconnect coverage between numerous sensors, actuators, and controllers without suffering from noise effects or signal degradation
3Volume of moving object
If power lines are routed in close proximity to communication lines, then wiring space is reduced, but crosstalk and noise transfer from power lines to communication lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical power lines and communication lines with a unified optical waveguide system. Since optical signals use light rather than electrical currents, there is no electromagnetic crosstalk or noise transfer between power and communication channels, even when routed in close proximity. This eliminates signal quality degradation while maintaining compact wiring volume
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide system simultaneously carries both power delivery and data communication functions through the same physical medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power lines and communication lines, reducing overall wiring volume while preventing crosstalk between power and communication signals that would occur in traditional electrical systems
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
The waveguide system simplifies communication and power transmission, reducing weight, increasing reliability, and enabling more nodes and sensors without additional wiring, while minimizing noise and crosstalk, thus enhancing accuracy and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first node is configured to propagate at least one communication channel and a radio frequency power transmission through the waveguide core to the second node
Implementation Method 2
where a metallization thickness of the metallic shell is equal to or greater than a skin depth to confine electromagnetic radiation within a structure formed by the double-ridge waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a waveguide system includes a first node, a second node, and a double-ridge waveguide. The double-ridge waveguide includes a metallic shell surrounding a waveguide core that forms a communication and radio frequency power transmission path in an aerospace environment. The first node is configured to propagate at least one communication channel and a radio frequency power transmission through the waveguide core to the second node during operation of the waveguide system in the aerospace environment.