High-Temperature Sensor Network With Shielded EM Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing and control systems in gas turbine engines face challenges with wire routing due to bulky, expensive, and vulnerable interconnects in harsh environments, and conventional semiconductor devices have limited functionality in high temperature applications, leading to unreliable electromagnetic communication.
Innovation Solution
A shielded electromagnetic network using high temperature compatible semiconductor materials and devices, incorporating waveguides formed through existing machine components, enables reliable electromagnetic communication and power transmission within harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wire routing and interconnect systems are used for sensor connections, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and vulnerable to interconnect failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire routing system with an electromagnetic field-based communication system. Sensors embedded in turbine blades communicate data wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling between stator windings and rotor windings, eliminating the need for physical interconnects and reducing system complexity while improving reliability in harsh environments
Solution Approach 2:
The stator and rotor windings serve multiple functions: they generate electromagnetic torque for motor operation and simultaneously serve as transmission media for wireless sensor data communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring systems, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable systems are extended to reach difficult-to-access sensor locations, then sensor coverage is improved, but cable cost, volume, and weight exceed desired limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy cable systems with electromagnetic field-based wireless communication. Sensors located on turbine blades transmit data through electromagnetic coupling without requiring physical cable extensions, significantly reducing weight while maintaining adaptability to difficult-to-access locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional cable routing through mechanical pathways to three-dimensional electromagnetic field propagation through the motor structure. This allows sensors in difficult-to-access locations to communicate data without constrained cable routing, reducing weight and improving adaptability
3Temperature
If conventional semiconductor devices are used in high temperature environments, then device functionality is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to limited functionality at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the semiconductor material parameter from conventional silicon to wide bandgap materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) or gallium nitride (GaN). These materials maintain device functionality and reliability at elevated temperatures up to 500°C, enabling operation in high temperature environments where conventional semiconductors fail
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
Reduces cable and interconnecting systems, enhances reliability, and allows for 'plug-n-play' sensor additions, while maintaining communication integrity and reducing costs and weight.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic transmitting source configured to transmit electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic device... receiving a portion of the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the electromagnetic transmitting source
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a network of a plurality of sensing / control / identification devices (68A, 68B) distributed throughout a machine, each of the sensing / control / identification devices (68A, 68B) 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. A communication path is integrally formed in a component of the machine to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals (86) through the component and a remote processing unit (66) operable to communicate with the network of the sensing / control / identification devices (68A, 68B) through the electromagnetic signals, wherein at least a portion of the sensing / control / identification devices (68A, 68B) comprise a wide band gap semiconductor device.