Carbon Nanotube Optical Switch for EMI-Resistant Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft and vehicle systems face weight and volume inefficiencies due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) vulnerabilities in traditional electrical power switching apparatuses, which require heavy shielding and sensitive components, and optical solutions introduce new challenges with high-powered lasers and volume inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An EMI-resistant control device using a carbon nanotube optical switch within an optical glass fiber connector housing, which receives optical signals to control electrical power switching apparatuses, reducing the need for shielding and utilizing low-power lasers, thereby minimizing weight and volume while maintaining EMI resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical wiring with shielding is used for control signals, then EMI resistance is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical wiring with an optical communication system using lasers and photodiodes to transmit control signals. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy copper wires and their associated shielding, achieving EMI immunity while dramatically reducing weight. The optical signal transmission through fiber optic cables or free space provides inherent protection against electromagnetic interference without requiring additional protective hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from electrical to optical domain. By using light instead of electricity for signal transmission, the system achieves immunity to electromagnetic interference while reducing the physical infrastructure requirements. The optical signals can be transmitted through thin fiber optic cables or through air using laser beams, eliminating the need for heavy shielded cable assemblies.
2Reliability
If shielded cables are installed to protect against electromagnetic effects, then EMI resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical shielding systems with a simpler optical communication system. Instead of installing heavy shielded cables, grounding systems, and filtering components, the invention uses optical signals that are inherently immune to electromagnetic interference. This substitution dramatically simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining or improving EMI resistance.
3Reliability
If optical fibers are used for control signals, then EMI resistance is improved, but new vulnerabilities to radio frequency energy are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photodiodes as intermediary devices that convert optical signals to electrical signals only at the point of use. The photodiodes are placed in carefully shielded enclosures with waveguide-filtered entrances and filtered power connections, creating localized protection zones. This intermediary approach allows the bulk of the transmission medium (optical fiber or free space) to remain inherently immune to EMI while providing controlled interfaces where electrical connections are necessary.
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 solution provides a lightweight, compact, and energy-efficient EMI-resistant electrical power switching system that maintains operational integrity in electromagnetic environments without the need for extensive shielding, using low-power lasers and carbon nanotube technology to ensure reliable control signals.
Implementation Method 1
The carbon nanotube optical switch includes a plurality of light sensitive carbon nanotubes adapted to connect a voltage source to an output of the EMI-resistant device in response to the optical signal being received
Implementation Method 2
a glass section or tube mounted in the optical glass fiber connector housing between the optical fiber and the carbon nanotube switch to transfer the optical signal from the optical glass fiber to the carbon nanotube optical switch
Data Source
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AI summary
An EMI-resistant control device (110,200) for providing a control signal may include an optical glass fiber connector housing (202) adapted to be connectable to an apparatus for providing the control signal to the apparatus for controlling operation thereof. The EMI-resistant control device (110,200) may also include a carbon nanotube optical switch (112) mounted in the optical glass fiber connector housing (202). The carbon nanotube optical switch may include a plurality of light sensitive carbon nanotubes adapted to connect a voltage source (106) to an output (116) of the EMI-resistant control device (110,200) in response to an optical signal being received by the optical glass fiber connector housing (202). The optical glass fiber connector housing (202) directs the optical signal onto the plurality of light sensitive carbon nanotubes. The voltage source (106) provides the control signal to the apparatus.