Smart Couplers for Non-Intrusive Satellite Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for investigating anomalies in satellite equipment are inflexible, expensive, and require dismantling or extensive intervention, making them incompatible with real-time, simple, and discreet diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
Intelligent couplers with wireless communication means are integrated into satellite equipment, forming a scalable wireless network accessible from a laptop computer, allowing non-intrusive data collection and remote self-testing, with internal memory for storing technical information and enabling real-time or delayed analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anomaly investigation methods are used (electrical interfaces, RF mode, exploded boxes), then anomaly causes can be investigated, but the process becomes complex, expensive, and requires dismantling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electrical investigation systems (exploded boxes, electrical interfaces, RF communication equipment) with a wireless communication system. Smart couplers equipped with wireless transceivers communicate directly with portable terminals, eliminating the need for physical dismantling and complex ground equipment while maintaining anomaly investigation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The smart coupler acts as an intermediary device integrated into the equipment, providing wireless communication capability between the equipment's internal data bus and external portable terminals. This intermediary enables direct data access without requiring dismantling or complex intermediate equipment
2Reliability
If equipment is dismantled or intervention equipment is introduced to investigate anomalies, then anomaly causes can be determined, but the intervention becomes heavy and requires approvals
Solution Approach 1:
Physical dismantling and heavy intervention equipment are replaced by wireless communication technology. The smart coupler's wireless transceiver enables data access through air interface communication with portable terminals, making investigation as simple as connecting a wireless device without any physical disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The smart coupler is permanently integrated into the equipment and continuously monitors and transmits operational data. In case of anomaly, the system automatically stores diagnostic information in the smart coupler's memory, enabling self-diagnosis capability that simplifies subsequent investigation without requiring heavy intervention
3Ease of operation
If smart couplers with wireless communication are integrated into equipment, then non-intrusive real-time data access is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart coupler is designed as a multi-functional integrated device that combines data acquisition, wireless communication, data storage, and anomaly detection capabilities in a single component. This universal design adds value while minimizing the number of separate devices needed
Solution Approach 2:
The smart coupler is integrated within the equipment's existing structure, nesting its functional components (transceiver, processor, memory) within the equipment housing. This nested integration minimizes external additions and reduces overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a simple, reliable solution to the problem of being able to observe devices to be installed on satellites. For this purpose, the invention relates to an evanescent wireless network system for space devices (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6) installed on a satellite (1) or to be installed thereon, including: a set of smart couplers (CL, CLS), either built into said space equipment or not, said smart couplers (CL, CLS) comprising a wireless communication means (WI, WE) constituting an onboard wireless network; at least one computer (C), which can be a laptop computer, provided with a wireless communication card, suitable for connecting to said onboard wireless network; at least one software program installed on said computer (C), providing access to the onboard wireless network, with a view to at least collecting information relating to the operation of said space devices (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6) in an non-intrusive manner.