Flexible Cable Communication Circuitry for Vehicle Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reliable and rapid communication in terrain and aerospace vehicles is hindered by harsh environmental conditions and space limitations, making it challenging to effectively monitor operational status and mechanical aspects of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flexible cable communication circuitry that includes optical and electrical signals, with a signal interconnecting circuit that secures and connects portions of the cable, enabling communication between remotely situated compartments and allowing for power transmission and data reception, using a mesh layout and smart interconnects to manage signal paths and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible cable communication circuitry is implemented to enable communication between remotely situated compartments, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for signal interconnecting circuits and multiple interface circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into modular components including optical interface circuits, electrical interface circuits, signal interconnecting circuits, and switching circuitry. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently configured, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through modular design while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable system is designed to carry multiple types of signals (optical and electrical) simultaneously through a single cable structure. The signal interconnecting circuit can handle both optical-to-electrical conversion and electrical signal routing, making it a multi-functional component that reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each signal type.
2Area of stationary object
If an array of flexible cables is used to provide extensive coverage across the vehicle, then communication coverage area is improved, but weight increases due to the additional cable mass
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication functions are merged into a single flexible cable system. The cable contains both optical arteries and electrically-conductive arteries within the same physical structure, allowing simultaneous transmission of different signal types through one cable rather than requiring separate cables for each function, thereby reducing total cable mass while maintaining extensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible cables with thin-walled protective coverings allows the communication network to be distributed throughout the vehicle with minimal weight penalty. The flexible nature of the cables enables them to be routed through tight spaces and conform to vehicle structures without requiring heavy rigid conduit, achieving extensive coverage with reduced weight.
3Speed
If optical signals are used for high-speed data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for precise optical connections and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The signal interconnecting circuit serves as an intermediary between optical and electrical domains. It includes optical interface circuits that receive optical signals and convert them to electrical signals, and electrical interface circuits that transmit electrical signals. This intermediary conversion approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing standard electrical connection techniques to be used while still achieving high-speed optical transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical optical connections with electrical signal transmission through the signal interconnecting circuit. Instead of requiring precise mechanical alignment of optical components throughout the vehicle, optical signals are converted to electrical signals that can be transmitted through conventional electrical connectors, significantly easing manufacturing while maintaining high data transmission speeds.
4Reliability
If redundant communication paths are implemented to provide self-healing capabilities, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to switching circuitry and multiple signal paths
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuitry is pre-configured with multiple signal paths and redundancy logic before operation. When a failure is detected in one communication path, the system automatically switches to a pre-established alternative path without requiring complex real-time decision-making or reconfiguration, thereby achieving self-healing capabilities while managing system complexity through pre-planned redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system dynamically adjusts signal routing based on operational conditions and failure states. The switching circuitry can reconfigure signal paths in real-time to maintain communication reliability, allowing the system to adapt to failures while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through automated dynamic reconfiguration rather than static hard-wired redundancy.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a signal-communicating apparatus and methods of use that include a signal-communication path for communicating between remotely situated compartments in a vehicle with the path defined by a flexible cable. A signal interconnecting circuit is provided that includes a first interface circuit that couples optical signals to a first portion of the cable, and another interface circuit that couples electrical signals to another portion of the cable. The signal interconnecting circuit includes a signal-path connector that mechanically secures and communicatively couples the portions together. Additionally, a data communication circuit is provided to receive data carried by the signal-communication path via the flexible cable and the signal interconnecting circuit.