Single Optical Fiber Power and Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments like aircraft fuel tanks, using electrical wires for power and data transmission poses hazards, and running multiple optical fibers for power and data communication with electronic components is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a single optical fiber to transmit both power and data by converting light energy into electrical energy using a photovoltaic element and storing it in an energy storage element, allowing data transmission during pauses in power signal reception, with a controller managing data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical fibers are used for power and data communication with electronic components, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single optical fiber by using time-division multiplexing. The photodetector receives light signals that carry both power and data information, which are separated and processed accordingly. This merging approach maintains reliable transmission while reducing the number of fibers from two to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting power to the photodetector and carrying data signals for communication. The system uses the same fiber for both purposes by multiplexing the signals, making the fiber a universal medium that eliminates the need for separate dedicated fibers for each function.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical wires are used for power and data transmission, then efficient power delivery is achieved, but safety hazards increase in explosive atmospheres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical wire-based mechanical/electrical system with an optical fiber-based photonic system. Instead of conducting electrical power through wires that can spark in explosive atmospheres, the system uses light to transfer energy and data through optical fibers, eliminating the electrical spark hazard while maintaining power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber acts as an intermediary medium that transfers energy and information without direct electrical contact. The photodetector converts the optical signals to electrical signals locally, creating an isolation barrier between the electrical and optical domains. This intermediary approach enables safe operation in explosive environments by eliminating electrical conductors in the hazardous atmosphere.
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 approach reduces the number of optical fibers needed, enhances safety by eliminating electrical wires, and maintains effective power and data communication for sealed electronic component assemblies, such as pressure sensors in fuel tanks.
Implementation Method 1
An optical fiber may be used to carry light energy that is converted to electrical power within the components by converting the light energy to electrical energy with a photovoltaic device such as a photodiode
Implementation Method 2
use optical fibers for providing power to electronic sensor components and for exchanging data with the components
Data Source
AI summary
Transmitting power and data to electronic components using a single optical fiber includes receiving a light power signal via the single fiber optic, converting the power light signal to electrical energy, at least a portion of which may be stored in an energy storage element, and, in response to a pause in the received light power signal, transmitting a light data signal via the single optical fiber, where power used in connection with data transmission is provided by electrical energy stored in the energy storage element. A photovoltaic element may be used to convert the light power signal into electrical energy. The photovoltaic element may be an array of photodiodes or a single photodiode. The energy storage element may be a capacitor. Transmitting a light data signal may be provided by a communication light source.