Distributed Fiber Optic Network for Gas Turbine Engine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerospace control systems face constraints due to high data throughput requirements, rapid obsolescence of processors, harsh operating environments, and cybersecurity threats, particularly in gas turbine engines, where traditional copper wiring harnesses are susceptible to environmental stress and cyber threats.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system for gas turbine engines utilizing a multi-mode fiber optic communication network with a first processor for data sensing and a second processor with higher processing power, coupled with actuators, and employing frequency hopping over a wide optical spectrum (300-1550 nm) for enhanced cybersecurity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper wiring harnesses are used for communication and power delivery, then the control system can be implemented with traditional components, but the system weight increases and environmental resilience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper wiring harnesses with a fiber optic communication network. The fiber optic cables transmit data as light signals, eliminating the need for heavy copper conductors while providing immunity to electromagnetic interference and environmental factors such as moisture and temperature extremes, thereby reducing system weight and improving environmental resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiber optic cables as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the processor and sensors/actuators. This intermediary replaces direct electrical connections, providing isolation from electrical interference and environmental degradation while maintaining communication functionality.
2Productivity
If processors with higher processing power are used to handle future data throughput requirements, then data processing capability improves, but processor obsolescence occurs more quickly and system redesign costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a modular architecture where the processor can be upgraded independently of the fiber optic communication infrastructure. The standardized fiber optic interfaces and protocols allow the system to adapt to future processing requirements by simply replacing the processor unit without redesigning the entire communication system, thereby reducing redesign costs when processor upgrades are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the processing function from the communication infrastructure. The fiber optic network serves as a stable, long-term communication backbone, while the processor is a replaceable component. This segmentation allows the high-cost communication infrastructure to remain unchanged while the processor can be upgraded as needed, spreading out investment and reducing overall system redesign costs.
3Loss of information
If multiple I/O data connections are used to connect control systems with other components, then data transmission capability is provided, but the components must be physically located close to each other and the system becomes highly customized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a standardized fiber optic communication network that can connect various sensors, actuators, and processing units regardless of their physical location or specific function. The universal fiber optic interface and communication protocol allow different components to be integrated into the same network architecture, providing adaptability and reducing the need for custom-designed connection systems for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from limited physical proximity constraints to extended spatial flexibility by using fiber optic cables that can transmit data over long distances with minimal signal loss. This allows components to be distributed throughout the engine assembly rather than being confined to a compact local area, enabling more flexible system design and reduced customization requirements.
4Reliability
If traditional copper wiring harnesses are used, then the system can be implemented with conventional materials, but the harness is susceptible to environmental stress and cyber threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through copper wires with optical signal transmission through fiber optic cables. This substitution provides inherent immunity to electromagnetic interference, moisture, and temperature extremes that affect copper wiring, while also providing galvanic isolation that protects against cyber threats through the optical-electrical interface points.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic communication network creates an electrically inert environment for data transmission. Since optical signals are not electrical in nature, they are immune to electromagnetic interference, ground loops, and electrical surges that can compromise copper wiring systems, providing a more reliable and secure communication medium in harsh engine environments.
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 data transmission, reduces system weight and lifecycle costs, improves environmental resilience, and enhances cybersecurity by allowing frequency hopping over a broader spectrum, addressing the limitations of traditional copper wiring harnesses and processor obsolescence.
Implementation Method 1
The communication network comprises multi-mode fiber optic cable and the communication network is configured to operate at wavelengths between about 300 nm and about 1550 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed fiber optic communication network for controlling a gas turbine engine includes a computation module and an input/output (I/O) module. The computation module and the I/O module are connected via the communication network. The communication network comprises multi-mode fiber optic cables, wherein data is transferred thereon on multiple frequency bands. The frequency bands range from about 300 nm to about 1550 nm. A method of frequency hopping is provided in which communication band instructions are stored locally on nodes of the communication network and may include communication band instructions transmitted to nodes of the communication network on a dedicated band.