Modular Laser Communication System for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser communication systems for aircraft are cumbersome, heavy, and power-intensive due to the need for multiple optical heads to achieve full coverage, which increases weight and power demand.
Innovation Solution
A modular laser communication system comprising optical head units with adjustable optical axes, a central control unit, and an optical switching device connected via optical fibers, allowing for reduced complexity, size, and power consumption by minimizing the number of laser transmitting units and distributing optical head units across the aircraft for strategic coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical heads are used to provide full coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser transmitting unit is designed to serve multiple optical head units simultaneously. The laser transmitting unit acts as a universal source that can couple its output to any of the plurality of optical head units through the optical switching device, eliminating the need for dedicated laser units at each optical head location.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical switching device is introduced as an intermediary component that couples the single laser transmitting unit to multiple optical head units. This switching device acts as a mediator that routes the laser output to the appropriate optical head unit, enabling one laser unit to control multiple optical heads without direct integration at each head.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical heads are used to provide full coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but power demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser transmitting unit is designed to serve multiple optical head units simultaneously. The laser transmitting unit acts as a universal source that can couple its output to any of the plurality of optical head units through the optical switching device, eliminating the need for dedicated laser units at each optical head location.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple laser transmitting functions are merged into a single centralized laser transmitting unit. Instead of having separate laser units distributed at each optical head, the patent combines all laser transmission capabilities into one unit that shares its output across multiple optical heads via the optical switching device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical heads are used to provide full coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An optical switching device is introduced as an intermediary component that couples the single laser transmitting unit to multiple optical head units. This switching device acts as a mediator that routes the laser output to the appropriate optical head unit, enabling one laser unit to control multiple optical heads without direct integration at each head.
Solution Approach 2:
A single laser transmitting unit is designed to serve multiple optical head units simultaneously. The laser transmitting unit acts as a universal source that can couple its output to any of the plurality of optical head units through the optical switching device, eliminating the need for dedicated laser units at each optical head location.
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
The system achieves reduced weight, size, and power requirements while maintaining effective communication capabilities, with the ability to adjust optical axes and route laser beams efficiently, enabling flexible and redundant communication scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The optical head units each comprise an optical axis, parallel to which light is emitted or received
Implementation Method 2
the optical head units each comprise at least one optical pointing mechanism for adjusting the respective optical axis
Implementation Method 3
the optical head units are connected to the at least one optical switching device through the at least one optical fiber
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser communication system for an aircraft comprises a plurality of optical head units, at least one separate laser transmitting unit, at least one laser receiving unit, at least one optical fiber for each optical head unit, at least one optical switching device for selectively coupling at least one of the optical head units and at least one of the at least one separate laser transmitting unit, and a central control unit, wherein the optical head units are connected to the at least one optical switching device through the at least one optical fiber, wherein the optical head units each comprise an optical axis, parallel to which light is emitted or received, wherein the optical head units each comprise at least one optical pointing mechanism for adjusting the respective optical axis, wherein the at least one separate laser transmitting unit comprises a laser and a high power optical amplifier, and wherein the control unit is connected to the at least one optical switching device, the at least one laser transmitting unit, the at least one laser receiving unit and the optical head units and is adapted to control a laser based data communication through coupling at least one of the optical head units, which is in a free line of sight to at least one target outside the aircraft, to the at least one separate laser transmitting unit and to modulate the operation of the at least one separate laser transmitting unit for emitting a signal.