Power Distribution Cabinet Selective Power Supply Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power distribution cabinets in aircraft applications face challenges in providing selective power availability to various electrical loads based on different operational modes, as existing systems lack the ability to individually connect power sources to specific modules based on aircraft operational conditions.

Innovation Solution

A power supply module with multiple inputs and outputs, incorporating electromagnetic interference/overvoltage protection, switching up/down converters, and diode OR circuits, allows for selective power distribution to internal cabinet modules based on external aircraft DC power sources, ensuring modules are powered only when necessary, and utilizing a high voltage storage capacitor for transient power maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If power sources are OR'd together at a single connection point in the power supply module, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different operational modes is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution architectureVSAvoidselective power availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution system is segmented by providing individual connection points within the power supply module for each internal cabinet module. This allows each module to be selectively connected to specific power sources based on operational modes, resolving the contradiction between simplified architecture and selective power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If power is continuously supplied to all internal cabinet modules, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the energy consumption is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution system dynamically adapts power supply based on aircraft operational modes. The power supply module selectively connects to different power sources and supplies power only to modules that are operational in the current mode, ensuring reliability when needed while reducing energy consumption during transient or ground-only operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual connection points are provided for each internal cabinet module, then the adaptability to operational modes is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective module power distributionVSAvoidpower supply module architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply module is designed with universal connectivity, where each internal cabinet module can potentially connect to any power source through individual connection points. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware architecture to support different operational modes without requiring mode-specific wiring, achieving adaptability without proportional complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a flexible and cost-optimized power distribution architecture that ensures high integrity by selectively powering internal cabinet modules based on aircraft operational modes without relying on internal supervisory control, maintaining power during transient conditions and optimizing power usage.

Implementation Method 1

a high voltage storage capacitor for transient power maintenance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

diode OR circuits, allows for selective power distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2704280B1Power distribution cabinet
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP2704280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2704280B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2704280B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply module, 10, included in a power distribution cabinet distributes power from one or more power sources to a plurality of internal cabinet modules. The power supply module includes a plurality of input terminals, 12a, 12b, 12c, each input terminal connected to a different power source, wherein availability of each of the plurality of power sources varies during operation of the aircraft or vehicle. A plurality of output terminals, 14a, 14b, 14c, connected to one or more of the plurality of input terminals to provide an output that represents a combination of selected power sources.