Reconfigurable EMI Filter Network for Dynamic Multi-Load Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

EMI filters contribute significantly to the weight and space requirements in electronic systems, particularly in applications like airplanes, where they can reduce cargo capacity and affect fuel efficiency due to their bulk and weight, especially when installed individually for each motor or actuator.

Innovation Solution

An EMI filter network with reconfigurable passive circuit elements and electrical switches, controlled by a controller to adapt to different operational states of dynamic loads, reduces the number of components and weight by providing filter values suitable for multiple loads, thereby minimizing space and weight requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual EMI filters are installed for each motor or actuator, then electromagnetic interference filtering performance is improved, but weight and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI filtering performanceVSAvoidfilter weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual EMI filters into a single shared EMI filter network that serves multiple motors and actuators. This network uses a common set of capacitors and inductors that are selectively connected to different loads through switches, consolidating what would otherwise be separate filter components into one unified structure, thereby reducing total weight and space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The EMI filter network is designed to perform multiple filtering functions simultaneously for different loads. By using switches to reconfigure the connection topology, the same filter components can serve different motors and actuators depending on which loads are currently active, making the filter system universal rather than dedicated to a single load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If individual EMI filters are installed for each motor or actuator, then electromagnetic interference filtering performance is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI filtering performanceVSAvoidfilter volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed EMI filter configuration is used, then filtering performance is stable, but adaptability to different operational states is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter configuration stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to operational states

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The EMI filter network incorporates switches that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the filter topology based on the operational state of the system. When loads are activated or deactivated, the controller adjusts the switch positions to optimize the filter configuration, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining effective EMI filtering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the operational state of motors and actuators to control the reconfiguration of the EMI filter network. The controller monitors which loads are active and accordingly adjusts the switch positions in the filter network, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal filtering performance across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 EMI filter network effectively mitigates electromagnetic interference across multiple loads with fewer components than individual filters, optimizing weight and space usage while maintaining performance, thus enhancing system efficiency and reducing the overall weight and volume of motor controllers.

Implementation Method 1

EMI filters may be placed in electronic circuits to mitigate the effects of electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3091660B1Reconfigurable electromagnetic interference filter network

Publication Date: 2019.11.27 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

An EMI filter network may be used to provide interference filtering for multiple loads (referred to collectively as a dynamic load). In one aspect, the EMI filter network includes electrical switches that establish different configurations or arrangements of passive circuit elements (e.g., inductors and capacitors) where each configuration generates a different filter value. The EMI filter network may be communicatively coupled to a controller which changes the configuration of the EMI filter network using the switches in response to the dynamic load changing operational states. For example, each configuration of the EMI filter network may correspond to one of the operational states of the dynamic load. Thus, as the operational state of the dynamic load changes - e.g., different motors become operational - the controller alters the configuration of the EMI filter network to provide a filter value that corresponds to the current operational state of the dynamic load.