Light communication channel-based electronics power distribution system

• US 20030090161A1
• Filed: 10/15/2002
• Published: 05/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Inventors: Shi, Zhong-You, Marlow, C. Allen
• Application Number:
  US10/271,401
• Publication Number:
  US 20030090161A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/149
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 75/22 with cylinders in V, fan, or star arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 77/085 with sensors measuring combustion processes, e.g. knocking, pressure, ionization, combustion flame
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 77/089 relating to engine temperature concerning coolant temperature F01P11/16
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2400/18 Packaging of the electronic circuit in a casing
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/28 Interface circuits
• CPC Class Codes: F05C 2225/08 Thermoplastics
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/2925 using electrical detecting means
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 11/02 by optical means
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 23/16 by photoelectric means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/12104 Mirror; Reflectors or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/12109 Filter
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/12004 Combinations of two or more optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/12007 forming wavelength selective elements, e.g. multiplexer, demultiplexer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/122 Basic optical elements, e.g. light-guiding paths
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4298 coupling with non-coherent light sources and/or radiation detectors, e.g. lamps, incandescent bulbs, scintillation chambers
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/43 Arrangements comprising a plurality of opto-electronic elements and associated optical interconnections
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/31 Voice input
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/41 Remote control of gateways
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/02 using infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/46 for ICE-powered road vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/005 : Mechanical details of housing or structure aiming to accommodate the power transfer means, e.g. mechanical integration of coils, antennas or transducers into emitting or receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 : using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/30 : using light, e.g. lasers

Abstract

A central power source and method for distributing power to at least one sensor and/or actuators connected to or integrated in an LCC. In an aspect of the invention, a power distribution system is provided comprising a power source, at least one sensor, an LCC structure, and at least one routing means for directing the energy through the LCC structure. In another aspect, the at least one sensor is connected to an LCC bus connected to an electronic system. In still another aspect, an energy storage means for storing the energy received by the at least one sensor is provided. The invention is also directed to a method for distributing power comprising transmitting energy using a power source, directing the energy through an LCC structure, and receiving the energy from the power source using the at least one sensor.

Claims

1. A power distribution system comprising:

a power source;

at least one sensor that receives energy from the power source;

an LCC structure that transmits the energy from the power source to the at least one sensor; and

at least one routing means for directing the energy along the LCC structure from the power source to the at least one sensor.

2. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the LCC structure comprises a polymer.

3. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the LCC structure comprises a material selected from a group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, silica, and polycarbonate.

4. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the power source is selected from a group consisting of light-emitting diode, infrared light source, visible light source, ultraviolet light source, and a radiofrequency source.

5. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprise a photodetector.

6. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an energy storage device.

7. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprise a means for requesting additional power from the power source when the at least one sensor begins to run low on power.

8. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is connected to an LCC bus.

9. The power distribution system of claim 8, wherein the LCC bus is connected to an electronic system.

10. The power distribution system of claim 9, wherein the electronic system is a process control system or an instrument panel display.

11. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the power source comprise photovoltaic receptors.

12. A power distribution system comprising:

a power source;

at least one sensor that receives energy from the power source;

an LCC structure comprising a polymer, which transmits the energy from the power source to the at least one sensor; and

at least one routing means for directing the energy through the LCC structure from the power source to the at least one sensor;

wherein the at least one sensor is connected to an LCC bus which is connected to an electronic system.

13. The power distribution system of claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor is connected to an LCC bus.

14. The power distribution system of claim 13, wherein the LCC bus is connected to an electronic system.

15. A power distribution system comprising:

a power source;

at least one sensor that receives energy from the power source;

an LCC structure that transmits the energy from the power source to the at least one sensor;

at least one routing means for directing the energy through the LCC 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;

wherein the at least one sensor is connected to an LCC bus which is connected to an electronic system.

16. The power distribution system of claim 15, wherein the at least one sensor is connected to an LCC bus.

17. The power distribution system of claim 16, wherein the LCC bus is connected to an electronic system.

18. A method for distributing power comprising:

transmitting energy using a power source;

directing the energy through an LCC structure from the power source to at least one sensor using at least one routing means; and

receiving the energy from the power source using the at least one sensor.

19. A method for distributing power comprising:

transmitting energy using a power source;

directing the energy through an LCC structure from the power source to at least one sensor using at least one routing means; and

receiving the energy from the power source using the at least one sensor;

wherein the at least one sensor is connected to an LCC bus which is connected to an electronic system.

20. A method for distributing power comprising:

transmitting energy using a power source;

directing the energy through an LCC structure from the power source to at least one sensor using at least one routing means;

using the at least one sensor to receive the energy from the power source that propagates through the LCC structure; and

storing the energy received by the at least one sensor using an energy-storage means;

wherein the at least one sensor is connected to an LCC bus which is connected to an electronic system.