FR2831344A1 - LIGHT COMMUNICATION CONDUIT POWER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a central power source and a method of distributing power to one or more sensors or actuators connected to or integrated into an LCC structure. A power distribution system includes a power source (102), one or more sensors (104, 106, 108, 110), an LCC conduit structure (100), and at least one routing means (112 ) to direct energy through the LCC structure. The sensor (s) is (are) connected to an LCC conduit bus connected to an electronic system. A means of storing the energy received by the sensor (s) is provided.

Description

s

DESCRIPTION

  The invention relates generally to a power distribution system and to a method of distributing power to the components of an electronic system. In particular, the invention relates to a power distribution system for electronics which uses a communications light pipe to distribute power to several sensors. One of the main concerns involving electronic systems is the

  how to efficiently transfer or distribute power to these systems.

  Usually circular section wires and other electrical connectors are used to distribute power to electronic systems. However, 10 traditional wired systems are usually difficult to assemble and the number of wires required for assembly reduces their reliability. In addition, the signals passing through the wires often cause crosstalk and interference with the transmission of signals in the adjoining wires. In addition, signals passing through the wires cause electromagnetic interference in the adjacent wires unless some type of shielding

  lS is used. This interference distorts or dogrades the signals.

  Various other systems for providing power to electrical circuits or components that use fiber optic cables and one or more light sources and detectors have been described in the art. But although optical fibers are sometimes used in place of wires or incorporated into a molded structure, the use of optical fibers increases the cost of an electronic system. In addition, the integration of optical and electrical components is not ideally suited to a

  mass production due to assembly difficulties.

  The invention aims to overcome these limitations.

  To this end, the invention uses a central power source using a communication light pipe or innovative light or light communication pipe (LCC) to transmit electromagnetic energy (for example infrared light (IR), from visible light or ultraviolet light) to sensors and actuators located around or in the LCC conduit or LCC conduit structure. Preferably, the LCC conduit is made of optically transparent or translucent materials such as polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate or polycarbonate. Preferably, the L CC conduit is in the form of a

  sheet, but other forms can be used.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, a power distribution system is provided, which comprises at least one power or power source, at least one sensor which receives energy from the power source. on, an LCC conduit structure which transmits energy from the power or power source (s) to said at least one sensor, and at least one routing means for directing energy through the LCC conduit structure from the source (s)

  supply or power to said at least one sensor.

  According to a characteristic of the invention, the LL C conduit structure comprises or is formed from a polymer, preferably a material selected from a group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate,

  polypropylene, polyethylene, silica and polycarbonate.

  The power or power source is advantageously selected from a group consisting of a light-emitting diode, an infrared light source, a visible light source, an ultraviolet light source, and a source.

high frequency.

  In addition, according to another characteristic of the invention, said at least one sensor comprises: - a photodetector, - an energy storage device, and / or - a means intended to request additional energy from the source

  supply when said at least one sensor begins to run out of energy.

  In addition, at least one sensor can be connected to a bus with LLC structure, which in turn

  even can be connected to an electronic system.

  In another aspect of the invention, a power or power distribution system is provided, comprising a power source, at least one sensor that receives energy from the power source, a conduit structure LCC comprising a polymer, and at least one means for supplying stine with di er ge r energy through the LCC duct structure from the power source to the at least one sensor. The LCC conduit structure transmits energy from the power source to the at least one sensor, in which the at least one sensor is connected to a bus to

  leads LCC which is in turn connected to an electronic system.

  In yet another aspect of the invention, a power or power distribution system is provided which includes a power source, at least one sensor that receives energy from the power source, a structure LCC conduit, and at least one routing means for directing energy through the LCC conduit structure from the power source to the at least one sensor, and an energy storage means for storing the energy received by the at least one sensor. The LCC conduit structure transmits energy from the power source to the at least one sensor, which is connected to an LCC conduit bus which is in turn connected to an electronic system. The invention also relates to a method of distributing a power supply or power comprising the transmission or emission of energy using a power or power source, the directed conduction of energy through an LCC conduit structure from the power source to at least one sensor, and receiving energy from the power source which propagates through the LCC conduit structure using said at least one sensor . In another aspect, a method for distributing power is provided, comprising receiving energy from the power source that has propagated through the LCC conduit structure using the at least one sensor, in which said at least one sensor is connected to a bus with LCC path which is. in turn, connected to an electronic system. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for distributing a power supply is provided, comprising storing the energy received by the at least one sensor using an energy storage means, wherein the at least one sensor is connected to a bus at

  LCC conduit which is in turn connected to an electronic system.

  Light or energy from the power or power source can be directed to at least one or more sensors through the LCC conduit structure using a routing element such as a prism, lens , a mirror, beam splitters, or combinations of different optical elements. The sensors that receive the signal or energy from the central source preferably have photovoltaic receivers that convert light into electricity, which can be stored as needed in a capacitor. The stored energy can then be used to power the sensors. Preferably, the sensors have built-in circuits to allow them to send additional power requests from a power source if they start to run out. The sensors can also transmit their data via a primary LCC conduit bus, thus allowing distribution of power without using

  wires or other electrical connectors.

  The LCC conduit structure can be used to direct light to at least one sensor. If necessary, multiple power sources that generate different wavelengths can be used to power different sensors that have photoreceptors that are sensitive to these wavelengths. The power distribution system can be used in systems such as a dashboard or a system coupled to an engine to transmit power to various sensors,

actuators and other devices.

  The invention will be better understood thanks to the following nonlimiting description, on

  the basis of the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of an electronic system based on an LCC conduit, FIG. 2 represents another perspective view of an electronic system at the base of an LCC conduit, La Figure 3 depicts an embodiment of a power distribution system which includes an integrated transmission train control system

(IPCS),

  FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of an electronic system based on the LCC conduit which comprises a power source, FIG. 5 represents a cutaway view of an electronic system based on the LCC conduit which comprises sources multiple supply, and, Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an electronic system based on

  LCC conduit which includes a power source.

  An LCC duct, also known as a communication light pipe or a light communication pipe, is a structure made of at least one type of light transmitting material made in any form that would allow transmission of a signal in the form of light from one point to another. An LCC conduit is described in more detail below, but one of its features is that it can be used as a substrate, such as an optical substrate, which can be manufactured in various shapes such as a rectangular plate or else as part or all, for example, of a main frame of a dashboard display device. As such. it can be used as a primary or secondary means of transmission for a signal, such as an optical signal

  propagating from at least one signal source to at least one signal receiver.

  An LCC can include various electronic and / or optical components to allow a signal, such as an optical signal, to be directed to various electronic and / or optical components within the substrate without the need for use a conventional signal focusing means such as a beam splitter or a focusing lens. An LCC conduit can also take other forms such as

  than a crown, a strand, a leaf, or a ribbon.

  As used herein, an LCC conduit structure refers to an L CC conduit in the form of strands or other structural forms. An L C C conduit structure also comprises an LCC conduit connected or manufactured with at least one component or

  a system such as a detector, a light source, or an electronic system.

  FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of an electronic system which comprises an LCC 100 conduit structure. This embodiment comprises a central power source 102, sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 and an LCC conduit structure The central power source 102 may be a visible, ultraviolet, infrared or other light source, or it may be a high frequency source. Preferably, the power source 102 is a laser or a light emitting diode. The sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 can be incorporated into the LCC 100 conduit structure or attached to it. A signal or energy emitted from the central power source 102 can be directed to the sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 through the LCC conduit structure 100 using a routing or transmission means 112 such as a prism, a lens, a separator of

  beam, mirror, or various combinations of routing elements.

  The sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 preferably include at least one photovoltaic receiver which converts light energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy can then be used to power the sensors 104, 106, 108, 1 10. Under a

  aspect, electrical energy is stored in a capacitor and used as needed.

  The sensors are preferably incorporated into or attached to the LCC conduit. In one aspect of the invention, an emitted signal or energy from the central power source can be directed to the sensors via a routing means such as a prism, a lens, or a mirror through the

led LCC.

  Power sources that produce energies corresponding to different wavelengths can be used to power different sensors that include photoreceptors sensitive to certain wavelengths. A further narrowing of a range of wavelengths can be performed using at least one

  optical element such as a bandpass filter.

  The data obtained from the sensors can be transmitted via a main bus with LCC conduit using a light signal, such as an infrared signal, to an electronic system such as an electronic controller for a further processing of data. The power distribution system can be used in a dashboard, a system coupled to an engine, or other devices that

  require power distribution to the sensors.

  Preferably, the LCC 100 conduit structure comprises a polymeric material.

  The material constituting the LCC 100 conduit structure can be polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyisobutylene, polyacrylonitrile, poly (vinyl chloride), poly (methyl methacrylate), silica, or polycarbonate. Preferably, the polymeric material is a

photorefractive polymer.

  The polymeric material which channels a signal such as light can be connected to or form part of engine structures, such as intake manifolds. The information obtained from the sensors which relate to the monitored parameters can be routed through the LCC 100 conduit structure to at least one electronic system such as a monitoring electronics.

process control.

  Preferably, the material of the LCC conduit structure is made of at least one material which allows the transmission of light at various wavelengths. Thus, for example, an LCC 100 conduit structure may comprise a first transparent or translucent material for a first frequency of the signals and a second

  transparent or translucent material for a second frequency of the signals.

  The LCC 100 conduit structure can have various configurations. Thus, the LCC duct structure can be flat, curvilinear, wavy or asymmetrical. The LCC 100 conduit structure can also have various dimensions including non-uniform thickness, diameter, width and length. The LCC duct can be made using a moldable material such that the LCC duct can be molded and then polymerized to a desired shape. The LCC 100 conduit structure can have parts or areas that are connected, molded, or pressed onto a surface of a circuit board. The LCC 100 conduit structure can be integrated into printed circuit boards, flexible substrates, ribbon cables, and MID circuits

  or to structures incorporating them.

  The LCC 100 conduit structure can be coated with a reflective material. Coatings preferably minimize energy loss by reducing signal strength

  optical transmitted outside the LCC duct.

  The LCC 100 conduit structure may have a reflective coating on at least one of its surfaces. In a first aspect of the invention, the reflective coating covers the entire surface or practically the entire surface of the LCC duct structure with the exception of the parts of the surface where the power source 102 and the sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 are operatively connected to the conduit structure

LCC 100.

  Alternatively, the reflective coating covers at least one surface of the LCC 100 conduit structure. The reflective coating can be used, for example, to cover only the surface of the LCC 100 conduit structure which substantially encompasses a volume of the LCC conduit through from which the energy from the

  power source 102 is transmitted to sensors 104, 106, 108, 110.

  The reflective coating may include any material which reflects the energy transmitted through the LCC 100 conduit structure. The reflective coating may also include at least one metal or a metal alloy containing metals such as aluminum, copper , silver or gold. The LCC 100 conduit structure may have a different refractive index than that of the reflective coating. Preferably, the LCC 100 conduit structure has a

  higher refractive index than reflective coating.

  Preferably, the power source or emitter 102 is a light source.

  An example of a purported light source is an infrared light source.

  However, the signals can have any electromagnetic frequency allowing transmission through the LCC conduit structure 100 and communication between the power source 102 and the sensors 104, 106, 108, 1 10. The signal which is transmitted can be a combination of electromagnetic frequencies. The power source 102 includes, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode, a laser, or a high frequency source. The laser can emit

  infrared, visible or ultraviolet light.

  Preferably, at least one power source 102 transmits a signal through the LCC 100 conduit structure. A signal can be directed to any direction or various directions within the LCC 100 conduit structure, unless the power source or other component is blocking the signal, or a surface of the LCC 100 conduit structure is reflecting the signal. Energy can propagate, sequentially or simultaneously, along the same direction or in opposite directions. The sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 can be positioned at any suitable location on a surface of the LCC conduit structure 100 where the sensors can receive at least one form of energy from at least one power source. Multiple sensors can receive energy from a single source

of im im entati on.

  In one aspect of the invention, the power source 102 and the sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 are operatively connected to at least one surface or end of the LCC conduit structure 100. The source of power supply 102 and each sensor 104, 106, 108, 110 can be on the same surface or on different surfaces of the LCC 100 conduit structure. The terms "connected in fa, con functional" are used to form an optical interface , electrical or otherwise for transmitting and receiving signals through the LCC 100 conduit structure. Being "functionally connected" also means that attachment configurations, attachment substances, and other attachment mechanisms, or a combination of attachment materials or mechanisms attach the power source 102 and sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 to the LCC 100 conduit structure. Attachment configurations include adapters physical conditions of the LCC 100 conduit structure, such as an indentation or a pressure nesting structure. Attachments include, but are not limited to, adhesives, resins, and solder. Preferably, the power source 102 transmits a signal in the form of light energy to at least one of the sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 via the conduit structure LCC 100. In particular, the power source 102 can transmit at least one signal in response to an input signal from an electronic signal such as process control electronics. The power source 102 can transmit at least one signal which can be pulsed, continuous, or else a

  combination of pulsed and continuous signals.

  The power source 102 is preferably a device for generating electromagnetic radiation. Preferably, each power source 102 is a light generating device such as a laser or a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, each power source is a high frequency (HF) generation device such as an HF transmitter. For example, a first power source may be a device for generating electromagnetic radiation such as a scent light-emitting diode or a laser and a second power source may be a

HF transmitter.

  A power source 102 and at least one sensor 104, 106, 108, 110 can be integrated with a component such as an HF transceiver, which can transmit a first signal at a given time and receive a second signal at another moment. The first and second signals can have the same frequency or different frequencies. The sensor can include both a detector and another component such as

  capacitor where the energy collected can be stored.

  Signals such as optical signals from optoelectronic transmitters can be channeled or transported through the air to reach their destination if there is no obstacle in their propagation path. The transmitters preferably generate a single wavelength of a light signal. In one aspect of the invention, a selective wavelength filter is placed on the front of the sensor so that little or no interference occurs between transmitters and sensors

1 0 different.

  As used herein, a "sensor" refers to a device that receives a signal or energy from a signal or from a power or power source. The signal received by a sensor can be a light signal. Thus, a sensor can include at least one component such as a photo detector or bi in faith a photodetector and a capacitor. In particular, at least one of the sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 can comprise a device for receiving or collecting electromagnetic radiation such as a photodiode or else an HF sensor. The sensors 1 04, 1 06, 1 08, 110 include, but are not limited to, photodiodes, microchannel plates, photomultiplier tubes, or a combination of the sensors. The sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 can receive or annunciate at least one signal via the LCC conduit structure 100. In one aspect of the invention, the sensors 104, 106, 108, provide an output signal to the electronic system in response to a signal that propagates through the LCC 100 conduit structure. The sensors 104, 106, 108, 110 preferably include at least specific frequency filters to reduce or eliminate interference from signals having certain frequencies or frequency ranges. Figures 2 and 3 show a perspective view of a system that includes a power source and an LCC conduit. The system can be an integrated transmission train control system or other electronic system as described above. The LCC conduit comprises a power source, a collector, an LCC conduit structure, an insert of plastic or metal and a reflector. To avoid obstructions in the path of propagation of a light signal, a method of redirecting the light signals is preferably implemented in the substrate to bypass the obstructions along its path. A plastic or metallic insert having reflective surface properties at desired angles can be molded inside the substrate at suitable locations to direct the light signal to locations. speclIlques. FIG. 2 represents a principle of separation and orientation of a light signal in various directions. For some applications, a divergent or diffusing element can be used so that an output signal can propagate through a large volume of the substrate such as an LCC conduit. If a relatively narrow beam is used, such as a focused laser beam, a diffuser can be placed between a light source and the substrate. An element or component through which the light signal enters the substrate can be made granular so that it can act as a diffuser to disperse the light signal. In the same principle, the light signal can be oriented and redirected by using a rough surface at another location inside the substrate so that multidirectional signal transmission can

be obtained.

  Figure 3 describes a power distribution system which includes an integrated transmission train control system (IPCS). For a given obstruction in a substrate layer, the directional separator will orient a light signal by using a molded piece of material such as plastic, metal, or a rough surface to diffuse the light signal to avoid obstacles in the original path of the light signal. In addition, incorporated molded reflectors can be used so that the light signal can be further redirected

  to a desired position or location.

  Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electronic system 450 which includes power sources 402, 404 and an LCC conduit structure 406. The electronic system 450 may be an integrated transmission train control system or another electronic system. The electronic system 450 preferably comprises a base 428 and a cover 430. The electronic system 450 preferably comprises power sources 402, 404, an LCC conduit structure 406, and sensors or collectors 408 and 410. Under a first Aspect, the LCC 406 conduit structure is disposed throughout the base 428 and can be incorporated therein. The power sources 402, 404 and the sensors 408, 410 are connected by wires 420, 422, 424, 426 to pin connections 428, which connect them to other components (not shown). In one aspect of the invention, the power sources 402, 404 transmit signals in response to an input signal from the pin connections 428. Preferably, the sensors 408, 410, 412 transmit an output signal to the connections 428 pins in response to signals from sources

supply 402, 404.

  FIG. 5 represents a cutaway view of an electronic system 550 which comprises at least two power sources 502, 504 and an LCC conduit structure 506. The electronic system 550 can be a control panel for an automobile or other electrical system as previously explained. The electronic system 550 includes a first power source 502, a second power source 504, an LCC conduit structure 506, a first sensor 508, a second sensor 510, and a third sensor 512. The first power source 502 sends a first signal to the first sensor 508 and to the third sensor 512. The second power source 504 sends a second signal to the second sensor 510. The first and second

  signals can have the same frequency or different frequencies.

  FIG. 6 represents a perspective view of an electronic system 650 which comprises a power source 602 and an LCC conduit structure 606. The electronic system 650 can be a car control panel or other electronic system as explained previously . The system includes a power source 602, an LCC conduit structure 606, a first sensor 608, a second sensor 610, a third sensor 612, a fourth sensor 632, and a fifth sensor 634. The power source 602 sends a signal in response to an input signal from a central processing unit (not shown). The signal passes through the structure of the LCC conduit 605 to the sensors 608, 610, 612, 632, 634. The first sensor 608 sends a first output signal to an external electrical device such as a device for controlling the environment 636. The second sensor 610 sends a second output signal to another external electrical device such as an audio control device 638. In a similar manner, the third, 612, the fourth 632, and the fifth,

  634, sensors send output signals to other external electronic devices.

  The signal can be coded or modulated.

  Various embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated. However, the

  description and illustrations are given by way of example only. Other modes of

  realization and achievements are possible while remaining within the scope of this invention, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details, to the representative embodiments, and to the illustrated examples of this.

description.

Claims (10)

  1. Power or power distribution system, characterized in that it comprises: at least one power source (102; 402, 404; 502, 504; 602), at least one sensor (104, 106, 108, 110; 408, 410; 508, 510, 512; 608, 610, 612, 632, 634) which receives energy from the power or power source, an LCC conduit structure (100; 406; 506; 606) which transmits energy from the supply or power source (s) to said at least one sensor, and at least one routing means (112) intended to direct the energy along the LCC conduit structure from the power or power source (s) to said at least one sensor.   2. Power distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in   what the LCC conduit structure includes a polymer.   3. Power distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the LCC duct structure comprises a material selected from a group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate,   polypropylene, polyethylene, silica and polycarbonate.   4. Power distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the power or power source is selected from a group consisting of a light emitting diode, an infrared light source, a source of visible light, an ultraviolet light source, and a high frequency source. 5. Power distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in   that said at least one sensor comprises a photodetector.   6. Power distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in   that said at least one sensor comprises an energy storage device.   7. Power distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one sensor comprises means for requesting additional energy from the power source when said at least one sensor begins to run out of energy.   8. Power distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in   that at least one sensor is connected to a bus with LCC structure.   9. Power distribution system according to claim 8, characterized in   that the LCC structure bus is connected to an electronic system.   10. A method for distributing power or power, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: transmitting or emitting energy using a power or power source (102; 402, 404; 502 , 504; 602), directing energy through an LCC conduit structure (100; 406; 506; 606) from the power source to at least one sensor (104, 106, 108, 110; 408, 410; 508, 510, 512; 608, 610, 612, 632, 634) using at least one routing means (112), and receiving energy from the power source (102), using said at at least one sensor, said at least one sensor being connected to a bus with LCC structure which is connected to a