Optical Data Transmission Through Aircraft Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircrafts face inefficiencies in routing multiple wires through pressure vessels to transmit sensor data from external sensors to internal components, particularly when a large number of sensors are involved.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical signals to transmit data through aircraft windows, where sensors attached to the exterior convert data into optical signals using a digital-to-optical converter, and these signals are transmitted through the window to an internal receiver for conversion back into digital data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wires are routed through openings in the pressure vessel to transmit sensor data, then sensor data transmission is achieved, but the complexity of wiring and the number of openings required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an optical communication system. Sensors mounted on the aircraft exterior convert physical quantities into electrical signals, which are then transformed into optical signals by a digital-to-optical converter. These optical signals pass through the transparent aircraft window without requiring any openings in the pressure vessel, eliminating complex wiring while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical communication system between the external sensors and internal processing units. The digital-to-optical converter and optical-to-digital converter act as intermediary devices that transform electrical signals into optical signals and back, enabling data transmission through the window without direct electrical connections across the pressure boundary.
2Reliability
If multiple openings are created in the pressure vessel for wire routing, then sensor data transmission is enabled, but the structural integrity and sealing of the pressure vessel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical wire routing through openings with optical signal transmission through the existing transparent window. This eliminates the need to create additional openings in the pressure vessel, preserving its structural integrity and sealing while enabling sensor data transmission from external sensors to internal processing systems.
3Reliability
If wires are routed underneath aircraft doors or through specialized windows, then sensor data can be transmitted, but the ease of sensor placement and system installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data transmission pathway through the aircraft window that can serve multiple sensors simultaneously. The optical communication system establishes a fixed transmission channel through the window, allowing any number of external sensors to transmit data through the same optical pathway, eliminating the need for separate wiring routes for each sensor and greatly improving placement flexibility.
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
This method eliminates the need for physical wiring through pressure vessel openings, reduces material costs, and allows for sensor placement in harder-to-reach locations without interfering with existing communication frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a digital-to-optical convertor converts the sensor data into optical signals having a frequency and amplitude indicative of the sensor data
Implementation Method 2
The transmitting optical device can transmit the optical signals through the window of the aircraft
Implementation Method 3
an optical-to-digital convertor converts the optical signals received from the optical receiver into second sensor data that is representative of the detected condition
Data Source
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AI summary
A data transmission system includes a sensor attached to an aircraft exterior and configured to generate sensor data. An external housing is attached to an exterior portion of an aircraft window. The external housing includes a digital-to-optical convertor configured to convert the sensor data into optical signals. The external housing also includes a transmitting optical device configured to transmit the optical signals through the aircraft window. An internal housing is attached to an interior portion of the aircraft window. The internal housing includes an optical receiver configured to receive the optical signals transmitted through the aircraft window. The internal housing also includes an optical-to-digital convertor configured to convert the optical signals received from the optical receiver into second sensor data. The second sensor data is representative of the detected condition. A data acquisition system internal to the aircraft is configured to receive the second sensor data.