Wireless Sensor Synchronization via Artificial GPS Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional on-board sensor systems in test aircraft require complex and cumbersome wiring for synchronizing sensors with a common time base, which is heavy and inefficient due to the large number of sensors distributed across the aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization system using an artificial GPS satellite constellation emulator to transmit a radio signal simulating GPS satellite emissions, allowing sensors to synchronize with a reference clock via a radio link, eliminating the need for wiring and using frequency transposition to ensure compatibility with existing GPS receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring is used to connect sensors to the main unit for synchronization, then time base synchronization is achieved, but the system becomes heavy, cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electromagnetic radio frequency communication system. The main unit transmits synchronization signals via radio frequency to secondary units distributed throughout the aircraft, eliminating the need for physical wiring connections while achieving the same time base synchronization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radio frequency signals as an intermediary medium to transmit synchronization information from the main unit to secondary units. This intermediary approach allows synchronization data to be transmitted wirelessly through the air, replacing direct physical wire connections.
2Reliability
If wiring is used to connect sensors to the main unit, then synchronization is achieved, but mass and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wiring infrastructure with wireless radio frequency communication, eliminating the weight of extensive wiring harnesses, connectors, and associated mounting hardware while maintaining synchronization capability across all sensors.
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 a lightweight, less complex method for synchronizing sensors across a test aircraft, ensuring all measurements are dated on a common time base without the need for extensive wiring, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing mass and bulk.
Implementation Method 1
processing means capable of delivering a radio signal from the main signal, the processing means comprising frequency transposition means capable of transposing the GPS frequency of the main signal to a radio frequency
Implementation Method 2
means for changing frequency capable of transposing the radio frequency of the radio signal to the GPS frequency, so as to deliver a signal that can be used by a GPS receiver
Implementation Method 3
servo means capable of decoding the exploitable signal and to synchronize the local clock on the reference clock by means of said decoded information and the distance between the main unit and the secondary unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a synchronisation system (SYN) for dating measurements from a sensor (CPi) relative to a reference clock (HR). The system comprises a main unit (UP) including: an emulator (EM) for emulating an artificial GPS satellite constellation having a time base based on a reference clock (HR), in order to generate a main signal (SgP) on a GPS frequency; processing means (TM) capable of delivering a radio signal (SgR) from the main signal (SgP) and of converting the GPS frequency of the main signal (SgP) to a radio frequency (Fr); and means (EV) for transmitting the radio signal (SgR). The system also comprises a secondary unit (USi) positioned at a distance (Di) from the main unit (UP), comprising: means (ERi) for receiving the radio signal (SgR); frequency changing means (TFi) capable of delivering a signal (SgE) that can be used by a GPS receiver; a GPS receiver (RPi) comprising a local clock (HLi), and slaving means (ASSi) capable of decoding the usable signal (SgE) and of synchronising the local clock (HLi) with the reference clock (HR); and a sensor (CPi) capable of taking measurements and dating said measurements relative to the local clock (HLi) of the receiver (RPi).