Methods and systems for communicatively coupling vehicles and ground systems
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsDonald B. Lee, Brian Edward Ward, Timothy M. Mitchell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems for communicating data between a vehicle and a ground system are described. The system includes an integrated power and communications connector that couples to the vehicle so that power is supplied to at least selected systems on-board the vehicle. In addition, data is communicated between the vehicle on-board systems and the ground system via the integrated connector.
Claims15
A method of communicating data between a vehicle and a ground system, said method comprising:
- coupling an on-board pin having a power portion and an optical fiber communication portion to a ground system socket having a power portion and an optical fiber communication portion;
- providing power to an on-board system via the power portions of the pin and socket;
- and
- communicating data between the on-board system and the ground system via the optical fiber communication portions of the pin and socket.
A system for communicating with a vehicle on-board system of a vehicle, said system comprising:
- a ground sub-system for providing power to and communicating with the vehicle on-board system, said ground sub-system comprising an integrated power and communications connector couplable to an on-board connector coupled to the vehicle, said integrated power and communications connector comprising:
- a socket configured to engage a pin having an outer conductive portion coupled to electrical conductors and an inner communications portion comprising an optical fiber coextensive with an end of the outer conductive portion;
- wherein, when said integrated power and communications connector and the on-board connector are coupled together, power is supplied via the outer conductive portion to the vehicle on-board system, and data is communicated between the vehicle on-board system and said ground sub-system via the optical fiber.
A connector pin comprising:
- an outer conductive portion having an end configured to engage a socket, said outer conductive portion configured to conduct electric power;
- and
- an inner communications portion, said inner communications portion comprising an optical fiber coextensive with said end of said outer conductive portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.