Wireless Sensor Communication via Engine Fluid Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of aircraft systems, particularly in engine systems, necessitates automated prognostic and health monitoring, but existing wired sensor systems increase weight, cost, and reduce reliability due to the use of multiple wiring harnesses.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor communication system that utilizes existing secondary passageways within the engine, such as lubricant or coolant pathways, to transmit data, overcoming the attenuation of radio frequency signals by conductive structures and eliminating the need for wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired sensor systems with multiple wiring harnesses are used to couple sensors to the central processing unit, then data transmission reliability is improved, but system weight increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the wiring harnesses from the sensor system, transitioning from wired to wireless communication. Sensors now transmit data wirelessly through the engine structure, eliminating the physical wiring infrastructure that added weight and complexity while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. Instead of using physical wires and connectors to transmit sensor data, the system uses electromagnetic signals that can penetrate the engine structure, eliminating the need for mechanical wiring harnesses.
2Reliability
If wired sensor systems with multiple wiring harnesses are used to couple sensors to the central processing unit, then data transmission stability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive wiring harness infrastructure and replaces it with cost-effective wireless sensor nodes. Each sensor is integrated with a small wireless transmitter, eliminating the need for extensive wiring installation and reducing overall system cost while maintaining stable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the costly mechanical wiring system with electromagnetic wireless communication. This replacement eliminates material costs for wires, connectors, and wiring harnesses, as well as installation labor costs, while providing stable data transmission through the engine structure.
3Weight of moving object
If wireless sensor systems are used to eliminate wiring harnesses, then system weight is reduced and system cost is reduced, but radio frequency signals are attenuated by conductive structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the engine structure itself as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. Instead of trying to transmit RF signals through air where they would be blocked by conductive structures, the system guides electromagnetic signals through the engine's internal passages and structures, which act as waveguides to channel the signals to the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the signal transmission from a three-dimensional space (air) to a one-dimensional path (through engine passages). By confining and guiding the electromagnetic signals through specific pathways within the engine structure, the system overcomes the attenuation problem of open-space RF transmission while maintaining wireless operation.
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 reduces material and labor costs, maintains system reliability, and enables effective data transmission in harsh environments by using secondary fluid passageways as electromagnetic waveguides for wireless data communication.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter associated with the sensor and operable to emit an electromagnetic signal corresponding to the at least one condition; and a receiver operable to receive the electromagnetic signal and positioned in the second fluid passageway
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor communication system includes an electromagnetic waveguide disposed adjacent to at least one component of a machine. The electromagnetic waveguide can be configured to convey a fluid within the machine. The sensor communication system can also include a sensor assembly, which includes a sensor operable to sense at least one condition and a transmitter at least partially positioned in the electromagnetic waveguide. The transmitter can be operatively coupled to the sensor and be operable to emit a signal corresponding to the at least one condition sensed by the sensor. The sensor communication system can also include a receiver at least partially positioned in the electromagnetic waveguide and operable to wirelessly receive the signal emitted by the transmitter.