Wireless Cabin Distribution Network Reducing Cable Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio/video distribution systems in mobile platforms, such as aircraft, are heavy, prone to damage, and require extensive cabling, which is cumbersome and time-consuming to reconfigure, especially when new data services are installed, leading to weight penalties and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A broadband wireless distribution network using wireless access points (WAPs) connected to a head end unit and strategically located wireless network interface circuits (NICs) with specially shaped antennas to provide RF coverage, eliminating the need for seat-to-seat cabling and optimizing antenna layout to reduce interference and multi-path issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive seat-to-seat cabling is used for audio/video distribution, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but system weight increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based transmission system. Wireless access points transmit audio, video, and data signals through RF waves to passenger devices, eliminating the need for physical seat-to-seat cables while maintaining signal transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the extensive cabling infrastructure from the mobile platform. By taking out the physical cable connections, the system reduces weight and complexity while using wireless communication to provide the same audio/video distribution functionality.
2Reliability
If extensive seat-to-seat cabling is used for audio/video distribution, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical cabling system with wireless communication technology. This substitution eliminates the need for intricate cable routing, connectors, and wiring harnesses, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission through electromagnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cabling subsystem from the overall system architecture. By removing the physical cable infrastructure, the patent simplifies the system design, reduces manufacturing complexity, and eliminates the need for cable management while preserving audio/video distribution functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cabling systems are used, then audio/video distribution is achieved, but adaptability decreases when new data services are installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wireless network architecture that can adapt to new data services without physical reconfiguration. The wireless access points and network interface circuits can be dynamically configured through software to support new services, allowing the system to evolve flexibly as service requirements change.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless distribution system provides universal connectivity that can support multiple audio, video, and data services simultaneously. The same wireless infrastructure can be configured to deliver different services to different passengers, enabling the system to adapt to various service requirements without requiring separate dedicated cabling for each service type.
4Area of stationary object
If more WAPs are deployed to increase coverage, then passenger cabin coverage is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring each wireless access point with specific transmission power levels and antenna directional patterns tailored to its local position in the cabin. This allows optimized RF coverage in each area while controlling interference levels, as each WAP's transmission characteristics are customized to its specific operational environment rather than using uniform high-power transmission throughout.
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 provides high-bandwidth audio, video, and data distribution to a large number of users with reduced electromagnetic interference, eliminates the need for feed-forward cabling, and minimizes maintenance by using a wireless system that is inherently fault-tolerant and optimized for coverage with a minimum number of WAPs.
Implementation Method 1
The specially shaped antennas are adapted to provide RF coverage to specific overlapping areas within the passenger cabin
Data Source
AI summary
A broadband wireless distribution network for a passenger cabin area of a mobile platform. The broadband wireless distribution network includes a plurality of wireless access points (WAPs) connected to a server and switching system and a plurality of wireless network interface circuits (NICs) strategically located about the passenger cabin. Additionally the broadband wireless distribution network includes a plurality of antennas connected to the WAPs such that at least one antenna is connected to each WAP. The antennas are capable of providing RF coverage patterns to specific overlapping areas within the passenger cabin, thereby allowing communication between each WAP and at least one NIC.