Multi-redundant inlaid wiring harness
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorBilly R. Carpenter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-redundant inlaid wiring harness provides for alternate electrical or optical pathways in an aircraft wiring system. A plurality of conduits are inlaid between layers of composite fabric during fabrication of a section of an aircraft. The conduits are connected at their ends to computer-controlled gateway buses. The buses select a pathway between the buses from the number of possible pathways. If the selected pathway is later damaged, the buses select a new pathway and reroute the power or signal over the new pathway. Conduit selection is based on any of several hierarchies including path of least resistance and shortest or fastest path.
Claims16
A wiring network for a structure having a composite fabrication assembly made of a plurality of layers of composite materials for connecting components outside of the structure for sending and receiving transmittable information between the components, the wiring network comprising:
- a. a plurality of conductive conduits placed between layers of the assembly, each having opposite ends;
- b. a first gateway connector attached to one end of each conduit;
- c. a second gateway connector attached to the other end of each conduit;
- and
- d. a controller for selecting a conduit for selecting and directing the transmittable information over selected conduits.
A wiring system for an aircraft comprising an outer structure a composite fabrication assembly made of a plurality of layers of composite materials for connecting components outside of the structure for sending and receiving transmittable information between the components, the wiring network comprising:
- a. a plurality of conductive conduits placed between layers of the assembly, each having opposite ends;
- b. a first gateway connector attached to one end of each conduit;
- c. a second gateway connector attached to the other end of each conduit;
- and
- d. a controller for selecting a conduit for selecting and directing the transmittable information over selected conduits.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.