Optical Interface for Wireless Data and Power in Munitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connections for munitions, such as air-to-ground missiles and rockets, face challenges in providing rapid disconnection, meeting safety and service life requirements, and ensuring data and power transmission without compromising structural integrity or increasing maintenance, especially in explosive environments where radio technologies are limited.

Innovation Solution

A system interface using optical data transmission and energy transfer via light, comprising a master unit and slave units that convert light into electrical energy, allowing data and power transmission without radio waves, maintaining structural integrity, and reducing maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wired connections are used for munition integration, then data and power transmission can be achieved, but the connection complexity increases and rapid disconnection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata and power transmissionVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with optical communication and wireless power transmission systems. Optical fibers transmit data without physical electrical contacts, while electromagnetic fields enable power transfer without plugs or connectors, eliminating mechanical wear and simplifying connection/disconnection operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If conventional wired connections are used, then structural integrity may be maintained, but maintenance requirements increase due to mechanical sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical connectors and cable bushings by using optical fibers for data transmission and electromagnetic coupling for power transfer. This removes moving parts and mechanical contact points that are susceptible to shock, vibration, and wear, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while preserving structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If radio technologies are used for data transmission, then wireless communication is achieved, but electromagnetic compatibility and data security are compromised in explosive environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communicationVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility and data security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes radio frequency electromagnetic waves with optical frequencies for data transmission. Optical communication uses light waves (infrared or visible spectrum) that can be tightly confined to the line of sight between transmitter and receiver, providing inherent security against eavesdropping and immunity to radio frequency interference, while maintaining wireless operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Use of energy by moving object

If batteries are used for power supply in encapsulated systems, then energy storage is achieved, but system reliability decreases due to fire risk and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storageVSAvoidfire risk and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical battery storage with electromagnetic energy storage in the form of capacitors or inductors, powered wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling. This eliminates chemical substances that cause corrosion and fire hazards, using purely physical electromagnetic fields for energy storage and transfer, thereby significantly improving system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient, secure, and reliable data and power transmission in explosive environments, reducing the need for battery replacement and enhancing system reliability and security against unauthorized access.

Implementation Method 1

a master unit (110) with a module for optically transmitting data (121) and a module for emitting light (112)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a first slave unit (120) with a module for optically transmitting data (121) and a module for converting light into electrical energy (122)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4651402A1Integrated systems with an interface for wireless and wireless transmission of data and energy

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 MBDA DEUTSCHIAND GMBH

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Figure 2

AI summary

A system interface for starting, monitoring, configuring, and/or protecting a device is disclosed. The system interface comprises a master unit with a module for optically transmitting data and a module for emitting light; and a first slave unit with a module for optically transmitting data and a module for converting light into electrical energy; wherein the master unit and the first slave unit are separate from each other; and the system interface is configured to: emit light to the first slave unit; convert the light into electrical energy; optically transmit data from the master unit to the first slave unit using the electrical energy.