Distributed wireless power distribution system
AssigneeAstronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
InventorJeffrey A. Jouper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method to provide a power distribution network to wirelessly power sensors, micro powered devices and switches to perform passenger functions as needed. An example implementation in an aircraft is a switch used to control overhead reading lights, where the switch is wirelessly provided with power in order to operate, and where the switch communicates with and is controlled by a control system also by way of wireless communication. An alternative application may, for example, be a sensor placed within storage areas inaccessible to conventional wiring.
Claims20
A wireless power distribution system located within a vehicle, comprising;
- a plurality of power radiating antennas located within the vehicle, each antenna connected to and having an associated power box capable of providing power to each associated antenna, the power boxes being connected in a daisy-chain arrangement within the vehicle, at least one antenna receiving power by way of a conductor connected to a power box associated with an adjacent antenna and each antenna radiating an electromagnetic signal providing power in a local area adjacent to each antenna;
- a plurality of energy harvesting devices operable to receive a portion of the radiated electromagnetic signals and provide power based on the received radiated electromagnetic signals to a plurality of remote electronic devices;
- and
- a plurality of signal receiving antennas, each operable to receive a communication or status signal associated with one of said remote devices.
A wireless power distribution system for an aircraft, comprising:
- a plurality of power radiating antennas distributed along a long dimension of a fuselage of the aircraft, each antenna connected to and having an associated power box capable of providing power to each associated antenna, the power boxes being connected in a daisy-chain arrangement within the aircraft, at least one antenna receiving power by way of a conductor connected to a power box associated with an adjacent antenna and each antenna radiating an electromagnetic signal providing power in a local area adjacent to each antenna;
- a plurality of energy harvesting devices operable to receive a portion of the radiated electromagnetic signals and provide power based on the received radiated electromagnetic signals to a plurality of sensors or switches located remotely within the fuselage;
- a plurality of signal transmit antennas operable to transmit electromagnetic signals corresponding to a status of one of said sensors or switches;
- and
- a plurality of signal receiving antennas, each operable to receive the electromagnetic signal associated with one of said sensors.
A wireless power distribution system located within a vehicle, comprising:
- a plurality of power radiating antennas located within the vehicle, each antenna connected to and having an associated power box capable of providing power to each associated antenna, the power boxes being connected in a daisy-chain arrangement within the vehicle and distributed throughout a coverage area, at least one antenna receiving power by way of a conductor connected to a power box associated with an adjacent antenna and each antenna radiating an electromagnetic signal providing power in a local area adjacent to each antenna;
- a plurality of energy harvesting antennas operable to receive a portion of the radiated electromagnetic signals and provide power based on the received radiated electromagnetic signals to a plurality of sensors or switches located remotely within the coverage area;
- at least one controller operable to receive a status signal from said sensor or switch, or provide a control signal to said sensor or switch, and further operable to provide said status signal to a transmit antenna operable to transmit said status signal in the form of an electromagnetic signal;
- and
- a plurality of signal receiving antennas, each operable to receive the electromagnetic signal associated with one of said sensors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.