Fiber Optic Vehicle Communication System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional maritime wireless communication systems are limited by signal intensity loss, poor signal quality, and network speed degradation, restricting connectivity between onboard and external components, posing risks for vessel travelers.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic communication system for vehicles that uses a first and second fiber optic converter connected by a fiber optic cable, with a wireless communication module electrically connected to the second converter, enabling signal conversion between electrical and optical formats and extending communication capabilities without requiring higher power systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If conventional wireless communication systems are used on watercraft, then connectivity is provided within the confines of the watercraft, but signal intensity is lost, signal quality deteriorates, and network speeds degrade when extending beyond the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces fiber optic cables as an intermediary transmission medium between the wireless communication module and external antennas. This mediator enables high-speed data transmission over extended distances while maintaining signal integrity, effectively resolving the contradiction between communication range and signal quality by decoupling the wireless communication function from the physical distance constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If higher power systems are used to extend communication capabilities, then signal intensity and range improve, but system complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidsystem power requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical signal transmission systems with optical fiber transmission. By substituting electrical signals with optical signals through fiber optic cables, the system achieves extended communication range and maintained signal quality without increasing power consumption or system complexity, as optical transmission is more efficient over long distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless signals are extended beyond the watercraft confines, then external connectivity is achieved, but signal intensity loss and connectivity gaps occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal connectivityVSAvoidcontinuous signal availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional components: a wireless communication module on the watercraft, fiber optic transmission cables for extended reach, and external antennas positioned at optimal locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function efficiently, ensuring continuous and reliable signal availability across the entire communication path from internal to external environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances communication capabilities by maintaining signal integrity and speed, ensuring continuous connectivity and improving system performance while being waterproof and adaptable for underwater use.

Implementation Method 1

At least one fiber optic cable optically couples the first fiber optic converter and the second fiber optic converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical signal transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

The first fiber optic converter is configured to convert first electrical signals received from the at least one user device into first optical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical to optical signal conversion: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

The second fiber optic converter is configured to convert the first optical signals from the first fiber optic converter into third electrical signals received by the wireless communication module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical to electrical signal conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230283376A1Fiber optic communication system for vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.09.07 EQUINOX INNOVATIVE SYST
  • US20230283376A1 patent drawing
  • US20230283376A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The fiber optic communication system for vehicles is a system for extending communication capabilities for vehicles, such as ships and other watercraft, for example, through connection to an external wireless communication module using a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic communication system for vehicles includes a first fiber optic converter adapted to be carried by the vehicle and further adapted for electrical connection to at least one user device. The fiber optic communication system for vehicles further includes a second fiber optic converter adapted to be positioned remotely from the vehicle and the first fiber optic converter. At least one fiber optic cable optically couples the first fiber optic converter and the second fiber optic converter, and a wireless communication module is in electrical communication with the second fiber optic converter.