Wireless Inter-Stage Communication for Flight Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flight vehicles face challenges with inter-stage signal communication due to the need for expensive and weight-additive electrical connectors and limited internal space, which often requires external signal transmission ducts, incurring aerodynamic and dynamic penalties.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wireless communication system that establishes separate wireless zones in each stage of a flight vehicle, allowing for communication between stages while coupled and discontinuing communication upon separation, eliminating the need for inter-stage connectors and external ducts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical inter-stage connectors are used to maintain signal communication between stages, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but weight and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal communication reliabilityVSAvoidmissile weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical electrical connector system with an optical wireless communication system. Lasers transmit signals through the interface between stages without requiring physical electrical contact, thereby eliminating the weight and complexity of electrical connectors while maintaining reliable signal transmission during flight and separation events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical waves as an intermediary medium to transfer signals between stages. Instead of direct electrical contact through connectors, optical signals serve as the mediator that carries information across the stage interface, enabling communication without mechanical connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If external ducts are used to route signal transmission elements, then signal transmission is enabled, but aerodynamic and flight dynamics performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic penalty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical signal transmission through external ducts with optical wireless transmission. Lasers transmit signals through the air gap between stages without requiring physical ductwork, eliminating the aerodynamic drag and flight dynamics penalties associated with external routing structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional physical routing through ducts to two-dimensional optical wave propagation through air. By using optical waves that can travel through the atmospheric medium between stages, the system eliminates the need for physical conduits and their associated aerodynamic penalties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If internal space is used for signal transmission elements, then aerodynamic performance is maintained, but available internal space is severely limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidavailable internal space

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical conductors that would occupy internal space with optical wireless transmission. Lasers transmit signals through the air gap between stages without requiring physical wiring harnesses or ducts within the vehicle, preserving all internal volume for propulsion and payload while maintaining aerodynamic cleanliness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the weight and cost associated with connectors and avoids aerodynamic penalties by enabling reliable wireless signal transmission between stages without external wiring, enhancing the performance and efficiency of flight vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a first wireless zone... a second wireless zone... communicate flight-related information between the first portion and the second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8422951B2Wireless communication system and method for wireless signal communication in flight vehicles

Publication Date: 2013.04.16 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for wireless signal communication in flight vehicles are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes a first portion that generates a first wireless zone. A second portion is decoupleable from the first portion and generates a second wireless zone. The first wireless zone and the second wireless zone communicate flight-related information while the first portion and the second portion are coupled, and discontinue the communication subsequent to the separation of the first portion from the second structural portion. In another embodiment, a method includes establishing a first wireless zone in a first portion of a flight vehicle, and establishing a second wireless zone in a second decoupleable portion of the flight vehicle. Flight-related information is communicated between the first wireless zone and the second wireless zone while the first portion and the second portion are coupled, and communication is discontinued after decoupling.