Aircraft Active Vibration Control System Gunfire Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Active Vibration Control Systems (AVCS) for aircraft are ineffective in environments where gunfire-induced vibrations overlap with the natural vibration frequencies of the aircraft, leading to degraded performance and inability to properly control vibrations during gunfire events.
Innovation Solution
The AVCS is enhanced to automatically or manually detect gunfire vibrations and filter them out or modify the force generator response to maintain effective vibration control, allowing the system to continue canceling propulsion system vibrations without being affected by gunfire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the AVCS attempts to control both propulsion vibrations and gunfire vibrations simultaneously, then the system covers a broader vibration control range, but the control precision deteriorates because gunfire harmonic frequencies interfere with the control sensors and force generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration control task into two separate modes: propulsion vibration control and gunfire vibration control. The system divides the control frequency ranges, using different control algorithms for each type of vibration. This segmentation allows the AVCS to maintain high precision for propulsion vibrations while also being able to handle gunfire vibrations, resolving the contradiction between broad adaptability and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different control modes based on detected vibration characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts its control strategy by identifying whether the current vibration source is propulsion-related or gunfire-related, and switches相应的 control algorithms accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal control precision across different operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If the AVCS uses standard control algorithms for propulsion vibrations, then the system maintains simple control logic, but the control effectiveness deteriorates when gunfire vibrations are present due to frequency overlap and harmonics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - a gunfire detection and identification system - that acts as a mediator between the vibration sensors and the control algorithms. This intermediary analyzes vibration signatures, identifies gunfire events, and triggers appropriate control mode switches. By adding this intermediary layer, the system maintains relatively simple control logic while significantly improving reliability in gunfire environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes control parameters dynamically based on the detected vibration environment. When gunfire is detected, the system modifies control algorithm parameters, filter settings, and force generator command frequencies to avoid gunfire harmonic interference. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain effectiveness without requiring completely different control hardware or overly complex logic.
3Reliability
If the force generators operate at full power to counteract vibrations, then the vibration cancellation effectiveness is maximized, but the system becomes vulnerable to gunfire-induced vibrations that can overwhelm the force generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting gunfire events before they can overwhelm the force generators. The system uses vibration signature analysis to identify upcoming gunfire sequences and pre-adjusts the force generator commands to anticipate and counteract the incoming vibration impulses. This proactive approach allows the force generators to maintain effectiveness without being overwhelmed by sudden high-intensity gunfire vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the force generators in optimal states before gunfire events occur. When gunfire is detected, the system has already adjusted the force generator frequencies and amplitudes to be ready for the anticipated vibration pattern. This preliminary preparation ensures that the force generators can immediately respond effectively without being overwhelmed, maintaining vibration cancellation effectiveness while reducing vulnerability to gunfire impacts.
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
This enhancement improves comfort for pilots and crew, protects aircraft structures and avionics from vibration damage, and ensures continued effective vibration control during gunfire events, even in low power modes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force generator positioned on the aircraft... producing a vibration canceling force
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor positioned on the aircraft... determining force generating commands for controlling vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for active vibration control on an aircraft. An active vibration control system (AVCS) is configured for an aircraft having an aircraft structure and a gun. The AVCS includes at least one control sensor on the aircraft, at least one force generator on the aircraft, and at least one controller in electronic communication with the sensor and the force generator. The controller is configured for determining, using the at least one control sensor, force generating commands for controlling vibrations acting on the aircraft structure, sending the force generating commands to the at least one force generator, causing the at least one force generator to produce a vibration canceling force, determining that the gun is firing, and in response to determining that the gun is firing, determining different force generating commands and sending the different force generating commands to the at least one force generator.