Aircraft Damage Detection System Using Spatial Transmitters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft damage detection is hindered by limited pilot visibility and reliance on instrument readings, often leading to delayed identification of system malfunctions, which can result in critical system failures and accidents.

Innovation Solution

A damage detection system comprising a processor and remotely powered transmitters that send signals to the processor, allowing for the assignment of spatial coordinates and identification of damaged areas, enabling early detection of issues without requiring visual observation of the aircraft's entire structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pilot relies on instrument readings and limited field of view, then the pilot can operate the aircraft, but the pilot cannot detect damage early before system failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage detection capabilityVSAvoidpilot field of view

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft is divided into multiple monitoring zones, each equipped with its own transmitter. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire aircraft structure without requiring the pilot to visually inspect every area, resolving the contradiction between reliable damage detection and limited pilot field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Transmitters are introduced as intermediary devices that detect damage conditions and communicate status to the cockpit. These intermediaries extend the pilot's sensing capability beyond the limited field of view, enabling early damage detection while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the pilot visually inspects the aircraft, then the pilot can identify damaged locations, but the pilot cannot see portions blocked by other parts or workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage location identificationVSAvoidpilot field of view

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft structure is segmented into multiple zones with transmitters distributed throughout. This allows precise localization of damage to specific transmitters or groups of transmitters, achieving accurate damage location identification without requiring the pilot to visually access all areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The physical inspection task is replaced by electronic signal transmission from transmitters. Each transmitter acts as a proxy that reports its status electronically, providing precise damage location information without requiring the pilot's direct visual observation of that location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If hydraulic pressure sensors are used, then the pilot can detect system malfunctions, but the pilot has no indication of potential system failure until resources are depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem failure detectionVSAvoidtime to detect damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Transmitters are installed throughout the aircraft structure to detect damage before it affects hydraulic systems. This preliminary detection capability allows the pilot to identify and isolate damaged areas before resource depletion occurs, resolving the contradiction between reliable failure detection and timely response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Transmitters provide continuous feedback about structural integrity and system status. This ongoing feedback loop enables early detection of potential failures, allowing the pilot to take corrective action before resource depletion, unlike traditional pressure sensors that only detect failures after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If transmitters are distributed throughout the aircraft, then damage can be precisely localized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage location precisionVSAvoidtransmitter network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each transmitter is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that performs detection, localization, and communication functions. This standardization reduces overall system complexity despite the distributed nature of the network, as each component is self-contained and interchangeable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Transmitters are remotely powered and self-contained, requiring minimal integration infrastructure. Each transmitter independently detects damage, determines its location, and communicates status without requiring complex wiring or power distribution systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20070268025A1Damage detection system

Publication Date: 2007.11.22 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A damage detection system includes a processor and a transmitter communicatively connected to the processor. The transmitter sends a signal to the processor and the processor is programmed to assign a spatial coordinate to the transmitter. The processor is further programmed to identify a transmitter location as damaged when the transmitter fails to send the signal. The damage detection system may analyze the damaged area and report potentially affected sub-systems to users of a machine or vehicle equipped with the damage detection system.