Active Landing Marker for eVTOL Precision Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current landing markers are ineffective in varying environmental conditions such as dusk, dawn, night, smog, fog, snow, and rain, as they rely on ambient light for identification, limiting precision landings for UAM and eVTOL vehicles under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Digital Flight Rules (DFR).
Innovation Solution
Active landing markers that generate a unique pattern using energy sources, such as LEDs or heat sources, with selectively positioned energy absorbing and transmission sections, and polarized translucent materials to create a visible signal pattern independent of ambient light conditions, enabling vehicles to perform precision landings in all visibility conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If printed landing markers are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the markers become ineffective in varying environmental conditions such as dusk, dawn, night, smog, fog, snow, and rain
Solution Approach 1:
The landing marker system transitions from a static printed pattern to a dynamic active signal system that can adapt to different environmental conditions. The marker includes an energy source (light source) that can be activated to project patterns dynamically, allowing the system to respond to varying lighting conditions, weather, and environmental factors while maintaining reliability across all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of the marker from passive reflection of ambient light to active emission of light signals. By incorporating an energy source that can emit light across different wavelengths and intensities, the marker can adjust its optical parameters to compensate for environmental conditions such as darkness, fog, rain, and smog, thereby maintaining effectiveness without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If active landing markers with energy sources are used, then visibility is improved in all weather and lighting conditions, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The active marker system utilizes color and wavelength modulation to enhance visibility while managing energy consumption. Different portions of the marker can emit different colors or wavelengths of light, allowing the system to optimize visibility for specific environmental conditions (e.g., using longer wavelengths for foggy conditions) while controlling overall energy usage through selective activation and spectral optimization.
3Measurement precision
If active landing markers with energy sources are used, then precision landing capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The active landing marker is divided into multiple independent segments or zones, each capable of emitting light independently. This segmentation allows the system to create complex patterns and provide multiple reference points for precision landing guidance while distributing the energy consumption and manufacturing complexity across smaller, more manageable units. Each segment can be optimized for specific guidance functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active landing markers allow for precise landings in various environmental conditions by providing a self-contained, visible signal that can be detected by vehicles, enhancing operational flexibility and safety under all weather and visibility conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Energy radiated from the energy source passing through the plurality of energy transmission sections of the marker panel and through the cover panel generating an active signal marker
Implementation Method 2
the cover panel made of polarized translucent material
Implementation Method 3
Energy radiated from the energy source is absorbed by the energy absorbing sections of the marker panel
Data Source
AI summary
An active landing marker including a housing, a cover panel, a marker panel and an energy source is provided. The cover panel is coupled to the housing, the cover panel made of polarized translucent material. The marker panel is positioned within the housing. The marker panel includes a plurality of selectively positioned energy absorbing sections and a plurality of energy transmission sections. The energy source is contained within the housing. The marker panel being positioned between the energy source and the cover panel. Energy radiated from the energy source passing through the energy transmission sections of the marker panel and through the cover panel generating an active signal marker having a unique marker pattern. The active signal marker aiding in the landing of vehicles during varying environmental conditions.