Aircraft Navigation Light Power Transcoder for ADS-B
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ADS-B systems for aircraft require bulky and expensive equipment installations, making them inaccessible to hobbyist and small-scale aviators due to the need for additional antennas, power supplies, and connections.
Innovation Solution
A compact ADS-B compliant transmitter that replaces a vehicle light, electrically powered by the aircraft's system, using a processor to reconstruct data from induced signals on the power wire and transmit ADS-B information without requiring a wired connection to a radar transponder or additional antennas, integrated with a universal access transceiver for both ADS-B OUT and ADS-B IN capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ADS-B equipment is installed with separate antennas, power supplies, and connections, then ADS-B functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate ADS-B components (transmitter, receiver, antenna, power supply) into a single integrated navigation light assembly. The ADS-B transmitter is housed within the navigation light, power is drawn through the existing light power wire, and the antenna is collocated with the light, eliminating the need for separate installations of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation light assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides navigation lighting for the aircraft and houses the ADS-B transmitter for surveillance broadcasting. This multi-functional design allows the same physical structure to fulfill both lighting and communication requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If additional antennas and power supplies are installed for ADS-B, then ADS-B compliance is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ADS-B transmitter housing with the navigation light assembly, eliminating the need for separate antenna mounts, power supply units, and connection boxes. The collocated antenna is integrated into the light structure, and power is drawn through the existing light power wire, significantly reducing the total weight of additional components required for ADS-B compliance.
3Loss of information
If wired connections to radar transponder are made, then data transmission is achieved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ADS-B transmitter automatically receives and processes transponder data through wireless communication without requiring manual wiring connections. The system self-configures to obtain squawk code, altitude, and other flight data from the transponder via radio frequency, eliminating the need for pilots or installers to perform complex wired connections during installation or operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If separate power supply for ADS-B is installed, then power availability is ensured, but ease of operation improves
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation light's power supply circuit serves dual purposes: it powers both the navigation light bulbs and the ADS-B transmitter. By drawing power through the existing light power wire and using the light's internal power regulation circuitry, the system eliminates the need for a separate ADS-B power supply installation, simplifying both installation and operation.
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
Enables cost-effective, weight-efficient, and aerodynamically minimal ADS-B compliance for small aircraft, providing situational awareness without the need for additional installations or antennas, enhancing safety in traffic-dense airspace.
Implementation Method 1
detect at least one induced signal on the aircraft electrical system power line. The induced signal corresponding to the aircraft radar transponder reply signal
Data Source
AI summary
The ADS-B power transcoder extracts transponder data from parasitic oscillations on the aircraft power line induced by transmissions of ownship radar transponder reply signals (e.g., responses to interrogations of the transponder). The radio is configured for replacement installation of an aircraft lighting assembly, and connection thereby to legacy onboard power sources without resorting to wireless or wired radar transponder, or pneumatic connections.