Aerial Wind Parameter Indication Device for Aircraft Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining wind speed and direction, especially in remote locations for aircraft landing, are inaccurate due to variable wind conditions and lack of real-time data, and existing solutions like smoke grenades or windsocks are either dangerous or impractical for remote or inaccessible areas.
Innovation Solution
A wind parameter indication device deployed along an aerial trajectory, equipped with an anemometer, altimeter, compass, processor, and transmitter, which measures and transmits wind speed and direction data to a receiver unit, allowing for accurate and timely wind parameter determination for aircraft landing assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If smoke grenades are used for wind direction indication, then the pilot can obtain wind direction information, but the method is dangerous due to chemicals and restricted to authorized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical-based smoke grenade system with an electronic measurement system. An anemometer with electronic sensors, processor, and transmitter measures wind parameters and transmits data electronically to the aircraft, eliminating chemical hazards while providing the same wind direction information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic measurement device as an intermediary between the wind environment and the pilot. The anemometer, processor, and transmitter form an intermediary system that converts physical wind parameters into transmittable electronic signals, replacing the direct chemical indication method.
2Loss of information
If a portable windsock is deployed by people on the ground, then wind measurement is possible, but the device is relatively large and requires time to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical windsock system with an electronic anemometer system. The electronic device with integrated sensors and processor provides immediate wind parameter measurements without requiring manual assembly, eliminating the time delay associated with deploying physical windsocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated device that combines anemometer, altimeter, compass, processor, and transmitter in a single unit. This universal device can be deployed from aircraft and provides comprehensive wind parameter measurements without requiring ground personnel or assembly time.
3Productivity
If wind parameters are obtained from nearby regions, then the information is readily available, but the local wind conditions at the landing point may differ significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality measurement by deploying the anemometer directly at or near the intended landing point. The device measures wind parameters locally rather than relying on remote data, ensuring the measurements reflect the actual conditions at the specific landing location with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile measurement intermediary (the anemometer system deployable from aircraft) that bridges the gap between remote weather data and local conditions. This intermediary device directly measures local wind parameters and transmits them to the aircraft, providing both speed and accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the landing point is at a remote location with limited access to control stations, then the aircraft can land in inaccessible areas, but accurate wind parameters cannot be obtained in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ground-based control station system with an airborne electronic measurement system. The anemometer, processor, and transmitter unit can be deployed from the aircraft itself, eliminating the need for external ground infrastructure and enabling wind parameter acquisition at any remote location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service capability where the aircraft carries and deploys its own wind measurement system. The integrated anemometer and transmitter allow the aircraft to independently obtain and use wind parameter data without requiring external control stations or ground personnel, enabling operation in completely remote areas.
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 device provides reliable and accurate wind speed and direction data, enabling safe aircraft landing even in remote locations without external assistance, and can be reused or disposable, suitable for various applications including firefighting.
Implementation Method 1
The anemometer is operative to obtain local wind speed and local wind direction measurements along the trajectory
Implementation Method 2
The altimeter is operative to obtain altitude measurements along the trajectory
Implementation Method 3
The compass is operative to obtain direction measurements along the trajectory
Implementation Method 4
The transmitter is operative to transmit the wind speed value and the wind direction value to a remotely located receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Wind parameter indication device and method for providing an indication of wind speed and wind direction. The device is deployed along an aerial trajectory toward a ground surface, such as after being ejected from an aircraft in flight. The device includes an anemometer, an altimeter, a compass, a processor and a transmitter. The anemometer obtains local wind speed and local wind direction measurements along the trajectory. The altimeter obtains altitude measurements along the trajectory. The compass obtains direction measurements along the trajectory. The device may further include an accelerometer, for obtaining acceleration measurements along the trajectory. The processor determines a wind speed value and a wind direction value associated with a predetermined altitude of the device. The transmitter transmits the determined wind speed value and wind direction value to a remotely located receiver. The device may further include a stabilizing decelerator to stabilize and decelerate the device along the trajectory.