Wireless Antenna System for Rotorcraft Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices for rotary and non-rotary assemblies in aircraft, such as slip-ring assemblies, are heavy, difficult to install, require frequent maintenance, and suffer from signal interference due to friction, and have limited data inputs/outputs, making them unsuitable for temporary use and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A communication device using a set of controlling swashplates with movable and stationary transfer units connected to transmit-and-receive antennas, allowing wireless communication without a hollow shaft, and featuring circular antennas with grooves for electromagnetic shielding and energy efficiency, facilitating easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slip-ring assembly with brushes and electrical tracks is used for communication between rotary and non-rotary assemblies, then electrical power and data can be transmitted, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip-ring and brush system with a wireless communication system using antennas. The movable antenna is mounted on the rotor assembly while the stationary antenna is mounted on the aircraft fuselage, eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts and significantly reducing weight while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system serves multiple functions: it provides both power transmission and data communication between the rotary rotor assembly and the stationary aircraft body, replacing the separate functions of slip-rings for power and brushes for data, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a slip-ring assembly with multiple electrical cables and tracks is used, then power and data transmission is achieved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical assembly of multiple electrical cables, slip-rings, and brushes is replaced by a simple wireless antenna system. The movable and stationary antennas communicate via electromagnetic waves, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical components while providing versatile data transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex slip-ring assembly with its multiple electrical tracks and cables, retaining only the essential communication function through a simplified antenna-based wireless system that is much easier to maintain and access.
3Reliability
If brushes are used in contact with electrical tracks, then power and data can be transmitted, but friction causes wear and signal interference requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the friction-based mechanical contact system (brushes and tracks) by using wireless electromagnetic communication between antennas. This substitution removes wear and signal interference caused by friction, improving signal quality while making the system maintenance-free as the antennas have no moving contact parts.
4Reliability
If a slip-ring assembly is installed on a medium weight rotorcraft, then communication is established, but installation becomes difficult due to weight constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy slip-ring assembly is replaced by lightweight antenna components that can be easily mounted on medium weight rotorcraft. The movable antenna integrates with the rotor assembly while the stationary antenna mounts on the fuselage, providing communication functionality without the weight burden that complicates installation.
5Reliability
If a hollow shaft communication device is used in the rotor mast, then communication is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to install in existing aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two independent parts: a movable antenna that attaches to the rotor assembly and a stationary antenna that attaches to the aircraft fuselage. This segmentation allows each component to be installed separately without requiring modification of the rotor mast hollow shaft, enabling easy retrofitting on existing aircraft.
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 solution provides a robust, reliable, and easily maintainable communication system that can be temporarily installed on existing aircraft, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission over a rotor's complete revolution with reduced electromagnetic interference and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
each transfer unit being connected to a transmit-and-receive antenna, a movable antenna connected to the movable transfer unit and a stationary antenna connected to the stationary transfer unit, the movable antenna and the stationary antenna being suitable for communicating with each other wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device (20) for communication between a movable piece of equipment (101) of a rotary rotor (5) and a stationary piece of equipment (102). Said communication device (20) is fitted with a set (10) of controlling swashplates including a rotary swashplate (11) and a non-rotary swashplate (12), the communication device (20) comprising a movable transfer unit (21) and a stationary transfer unit (22) for exchanging information respectively with the movable equipment (101) and with the stationary equipment (102). Each transfer unit (21, 22) is connected to a respective transmit-and-receive antenna (31, 32), including a movable antenna (31) connected to the movable transfer unit (21) and fastened to the rotary swashplate (11) and a stationary antenna (32) connected to the stationary transfer unit (22) and fastened to the non-rotary swashplate (12), the movable antenna (31) and the stationary antenna (32) being suitable for communicating with each other wirelessly.