Aeraulic Control System for Helicopter Deck Landing Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft landing or approval can be disrupted by air flow conditions that generate recirculations and/or vortices of air, particularly when the landing area is near a superstructure that alters wind flow.
Innovation Solution
A system for controlling aeraulic conditions above an aircraft landing or approval surface, comprising anemometric means to measure wind speed and direction, aeraulic means to modify air flows, and a controller that activates the aeraulic means when specific wind conditions are met to improve landing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the landing area is located near a superstructure to optimize ship deck utilization, then the available landing space is improved, but air recirculation bubbles and vortices are generated that disrupt landing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Aeraulic means (airflow control devices) are introduced as intermediary elements between the superstructure and the landing area. These devices actively modify the wind flow pattern, creating artificial airflow that counteracts the natural recirculation bubble and vortices generated by the superstructure, thereby protecting the landing zone without relocating it
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the airflow in the landing zone by using aeraulic means to generate controlled air movements. By adjusting airflow speed, direction, and pattern based on real-time anemometric data, the system transforms the harmful recirculation pattern into a favorable laminar flow suitable for safe aircraft landing
2Reliability
If aeraulic means are continuously activated to improve landing conditions, then landing safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operation of aeraulic means based on real-time wind conditions measured by anemometric means. The system activates airflow control only when wind speed exceeds a first threshold or wind direction (bearing) is less than a second threshold, and deactivates them when conditions are favorable, creating a dynamic on-demand operation mode that balances safety with energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback control mechanism where anemometric means continuously monitor wind speed and direction, and this data feeds back to the controller which adjusts the aeraulic means accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that energy is consumed only when and where it is actually needed to correct unfavorable landing conditions
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 system effectively improves landing or approval conditions by reducing the size of air recirculation bubbles and disturbing vortices, thereby enhancing safety and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
anemometric means, adapted to provide speed and bearing values which characterize a relative wind speed with respect to the air arrival zone and the superstructure
Implementation Method 2
aeraulic means, which are arranged close to the air arrival zone, and capable of modifying air movements above this air arrival zone
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
A system for controlling the aeraulic conditions present above an aerial arrival zone (Z) comprises anemometric means and aeraulic means. The anemometric means deliver speed and bearing values that characterise a relative wind speed with respect to the aerial arrival zone and to a superstructure (1) located close to said aerial arrival zone. The aeraulic means are capable of modifying air movements above the aerial arrival zone, and are controlled depending on the speed and bearing values of the wind. Such a system is particularly suitable for being used on board a vessel (10) that is able to carry a helicopter (20), in particular on its afterdeck.