Modular Power Supply for Military Radio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AN/PRC-117G power supplies have a unitary design with fixed cable connections, limiting installation and requiring complex cable routing, and lack separability for applications where AC conversion is not needed, leading to increased strain and difficulty in installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply system that separates AC and DC conversion modules, allowing for DC-only configuration, onboard battery backup, and adaptable cable connections, enabling use with various radios including the RF-7800H-MP, RF-7800M-MP, RF-7800-RC, AN/PRC-160, and RF-7800-RT, with removable and replaceable modules for flexible power input and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary design with integrated AC conversion is used, then power conversion functionality is complete, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is divided into separate functional modules: an AC conversion module and a DC conversion module. Each module can be independently selected and installed based on the application requirements. The DC conversion module is the core component, while the AC conversion module can be added only when AC power conversion capability is needed, thereby reducing overall weight for applications that don't require AC conversion.
2Device complexity
If fixed cable connections are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but installation complexity and cable strain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connectors are made movable rather than fixed. The connectors can be positioned at different locations on the power supply housing and can be easily disconnected and reconnected. This dynamic connector design allows flexible cable routing from different directions (front, back, sides) without requiring complex cable management, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 modular power supply reduces size and weight, simplifies installation by allowing flexible cable connections and automatic power switchover, enhancing usability in weight-sensitive applications like aircraft and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first power module which receives AC input and converts AC power to DC power
Implementation Method 2
A second power module receives DC input and converts the DC input to DC output suitable for the AN/PRC-117G radio
Implementation Method 3
An onboard battery backup provides backup power when both external AC and DC power is lost
Data Source
AI summary
An improved power supply for the AN/PRC-117G military radio has been developed. The presently disclosed power supply includes an AC-DC power conversion module; a DC-DC power module and an onboard battery backup. The disclosed power supply is an adaptable power supply which configures to provide AC-DC power; DC only power and battery backup power. The AC and DC power modules are independent and separable, and may be configured by the radio user to remove the AC module and operate in a DC only mode. The adaptability of the power supply includes universal power supply for the Harris Corporation Falcon III series of radios which includes the AN/PRC-117G; RF-7800H-MP; RF-7800M-MP; RF-7800-RC; AN/PRC-160 and the RF-7800-RT intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance terminal.