Microwave Network Architecture Selection Within Design Volume Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing an optimal microwave communication and power network within a given design volume is challenging due to various design parameters, component attributes, and waveguide considerations, making it difficult to determine the best architecture for information communication and power distribution.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a processor to obtain design parameters, determine multiple architectures based on component and waveguide attributes, compute value metrics, and select a reduced set of architectures that comply with microwave and power network design rules, using intelligent reasoning, model-based system engineering, and learning modules to optimize network design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple design parameters and component attributes are considered to determine optimal network architecture, then the quality and suitability of the network design is improved, but the complexity of the design process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork architecture optimizationVSAvoiddesign process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design process is segmented into distinct functional modules: an intelligent reasoning module that handles rule-based constraints, a model-based system engineering module that performs optimization calculations, and a learning module that captures design knowledge. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific aspects of the design problem, improving overall design quality while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A computer system acts as an intermediary between the designer and the complex design space. This intermediary automatically processes multiple design parameters, component attributes, and constraints to generate optimized network architectures, shielding the designer from the complexity of manual optimization while delivering high-quality results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If comprehensive design rules and constraints are enforced to ensure compliance, then the reliability of the network design is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign rule complianceVSAvoiddesign implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Design rules and constraints are established beforehand and integrated into the intelligent reasoning module. The system proactively checks compliance during the design generation process rather than requiring manual verification afterward. This preliminary enforcement of rules ensures reliability while automating the compliance checking reduces the manual effort required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The model-based system engineering module provides continuous feedback on design compliance with constraints and rules. When designs violate constraints, the system automatically adjusts and regenerates alternatives, guiding the design process toward compliant solutions without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining reliability while easing implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4421671A1Method for designing architecture for microwave communication and power networks
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 RTX CORP
  • EP4421671A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4421671A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4421671A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A computer network and method of designing a microwave communication and/or power system for an application. The system includes a processor (402) configured to obtain a design parameter for the application, determine a plurality of architectures (506) for the application based on the design parameter and an attribute (503) of a component (301) or waveguide (303) of the architecture, determine a value metric for each of the plurality of architectures (506), and determine a reduced set of architectures (508) for the application from the plurality of architectures (506) based on the value metric.