Integrated Vehicle Node Architecture for Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft systems face challenges in reducing weight, cost, and manufacturing and maintenance complexity due to the separation of digital data networks and electric power distribution systems, which require multiple controllers and extensive wiring.

Innovation Solution

An integrated power distribution, data network, and control architecture is implemented, where nodes with both power distribution and data collection/distribution components are distributed throughout the aircraft, allowing for centralized control and data processing, and eliminating the need for separate electronic units and extensive wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate digital data networks and power distribution systems are used with multiple controllers, then system functionality is achieved, but weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate digital data network controllers and power distribution controllers into a single integrated controller. This merging eliminates redundant hardware components and wiring, directly reducing aircraft weight while maintaining both data communication and power distribution functionalities through software-based control modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a remote data concentrator for the digital network, a power distribution controller for electrical loads, and a system coordinator. This multi-functionality replaces multiple specialized controllers, reducing overall system weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate digital data networks and power distribution systems are used with multiple controllers, then system functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidcontroller quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate controllers (data network controller and power distribution controller) into a single integrated controller unit. This consolidation reduces the number of electronic components, simplifies system architecture, and decreases manufacturing complexity while preserving all necessary control functions through modular software design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If extensive wiring is used for separate power distribution and data networks, then system connectivity is achieved, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem connectivityVSAvoidwiring quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated controller consolidates control functions for both power distribution and data networks, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses for each system. By using a unified control architecture, the patent reduces the quantity of wiring required while maintaining full system connectivity through the same physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If traditional separate control systems are used, then system functionality is achieved, but maintenance complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated controller combines power distribution control and data network control into a single maintainable unit. This consolidation reduces maintenance complexity by eliminating the need to service multiple separate controllers, simplifying troubleshooting, and reducing inventory requirements for spare parts while maintaining all system functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10065583B2Integrated power distribution, data network, and control architectures for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 GE AVIATION SYST LTD

AI summary

An integrated power distribution, data network, and control architecture for a vehicle is provided that includes nodes distributed throughout the vehicle. Each node includes power distribution (PD) and data collection and distribution (DCD) components. The PD components receive electrical power from a source external to the node and distribute and control the electrical power supplied to active and passive electrical loads that are external to the node. The PD components include an electrical power input interface configured to receive an electrical power input from a source external to the node, and one or more power control modules. Each power control module can control the electrical power supplied to one or more electrical power output interfaces that supply power to the active and passive electrical loads. The DCD components receive data from data sources external to the node and transmit data to data consumers external to the node.