Flight recorder deployment system and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provides an automatic deployable flight recorder (ADFR) system that includes a deployable fight recorder, a plurality of crash sensors, and a recorder release unit. The recorder release unit is communicatively coupled to the deployable fight recorder and the plurality of crash sensors, and is configured to initiate deployment of the deployable flight data recorder from an aircraft when a deployment criteria that is adjusted based on a flight condition of the aircraft is satisfied.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 830,248, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]In a catastrophic aviation event involving a downed aircraft, a flight recorder is one of the most useful tools for investigators to piece together the crucial moments leading up to the aircraft accident or incident to determine the cause of the crash. One type of flight recorder is a cockpit voice recorder (CVR) that records the audio environment of the flight deck of an aircraft. A CVR records conversations in the cockpit and communications between the cockpit crew and others such as air traffic control personnel on the ground. Another type of flight recorder is a flight data recorder (FDR) that records the status of and information about the electronic and mechanical equipment of the aircraft. A FDR records information such a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Embodiments of the invention are directed to automatic deployable flight data recorder systems and methods for automatically initiating deployment of a flight recorder from an aircraft. Embodiments of the invention provide a more robust crash detection system that reduces the likelihood of non-commanded or unintended deployment of a flight recorder from an aircraft while maintaining a high reliability of deployment in a catastrophic crash event.

Problems solved by technology

However, while a flight recorder is designed to survive a crash, there is still a probability that the flight recorder may not survive if the crash conditions are extreme enough.

Furthermore, a flight recorder is only useful for investigators if the flight recorder can be located after a crash.

For example, when an aircraft crashes at sea and is submerged in water, locating the flight recorder affixed to the downed aircraft can take weeks to months, and even years, and can be costly in terms of the amount of money and time spent in locating the flight recorder.

Even when an aircraft crashes on land, it may take significant effort and time to locate the flight recorder, for example, when the crash site is an unfamiliar or rough terrain.

Such delay in locating the flight recorder not only frustrates investigators but can also risk the safety of other aircrafts.

For example, when a catastrophic aviation event is caused by a design flaw in an aircraft component, the delay in identifying the problematic aircraft component can risk the safety of other aircrafts that employ the same type of aircraft component.

However, most deployable flight recorders are designed to deploy from the aircraft even at the slightest possibility of an aircraft crash, resulting in a high risk of false-positive crash detections.

This can cause non-commanded or unintended deployment of the flight recorder, and in some instances, has resulted in injuries to maintenance workers while the aircraft is being serviced on the ground.

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