Wireless Sensor System for Aircraft with Remote Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems for high-performance vehicles, such as aircraft, are bulky, unreliable for real-time long-distance data transmission, require extensive installation and commissioning time, and cannot be mounted on external surfaces without damaging the coating or altering the aircraft's shape, leading to increased costs and limited data collection.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor system with a gateway that enables real-time data collection, storage, and transmission, featuring self-powered sensor nodes that can be attached and removed without damaging the vehicle's surface, and a remote management system for configuring and analyzing data in real-time, allowing for simultaneous communication with multiple nodes and flexible deployment on internal and external surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired sensors are used to provide power and data transmission, then data transfer rate and reliability are improved, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Sensor nodes transmit data and receive commands wirelessly through RF communication, eliminating the need for physical wiring harnesses, connectors, and associated installation processes while maintaining reliable data transfer rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power and data transmission functions from physical wiring infrastructure. By incorporating onboard batteries and wireless communication modules into self-powered sensor nodes, the system removes the need for extensive wiring installation while preserving the essential functions of power supply and data transmission.
2Productivity
If wireless sensors are used to reduce installation time, then productivity is improved, but data transfer rate and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes wireless communication parameters including transmission power, data rate, and protocol selection to ensure reliable real-time data transmission. The system adapts communication parameters dynamically based on signal quality and data priority, maintaining high reliability while benefiting from rapid installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor nodes are mounted on external aircraft surfaces, then measurement locations are expanded, but coating damage and re-certification requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adhesive mounting systems with flexible bonding interfaces that distribute mechanical stresses across larger areas. The sensor nodes are designed with compliant mounting mechanisms that accommodate surface curvature and thermal expansion without concentrating forces that would damage the aircraft coating or require structural modifications.
4Device complexity
If self-powered sensor nodes are used to eliminate wiring, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply reliability becomes a concern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates rechargeable batteries and energy harvesting components during the sensor node manufacturing process. Power management circuits are pre-configured with charging algorithms and power reservation strategies that ensure continuous operation throughout the sensor's service life, eliminating power supply reliability concerns before deployment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a wireless sensor and telemetry system for use on a vehicle such as an aircraft including at least one sensor node, a gateway, a user control system, data management and analytics means, wherein the sensor node is capable of sensing at least one type of operational performance or structural condition parameter data for the vehicle. Sensor node is attached to the vehicle in a specific location so that the data acquired gives information to the users of the system that relates to the operational performance or structural condition of the vehicle during operation. The sensor node wirelessly transmits the data it acquires to the gateway. The user control system enables person/s, to remotely operate and control the wireless sensor and telemetry system, by sending wireless operational control instructions to the system either via the gateway or directly to a particular sensor node or to a cluster of sensor nodes.