Aircraft Deployable Sensor System for Erroneous Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
External sensors on aircrafts are prone to generating erroneous data due to adverse environmental conditions, which can lead to reduced accuracy and increased workload for the crew, as existing redundant sensors may also be affected.
Innovation Solution
A deployable sensor system managed by a computer system's sensor manager, which deploys internal sensors to replace external ones when erroneous data is detected and no adverse environmental condition is present, ensuring continuous accurate data generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external sensors are used on aircraft, then sensor data can be obtained from the exterior environment, but the sensors are exposed to adverse environmental conditions that cause erroneous data generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the external sensor system by deploying deployable sensors that replicate the function of external sensors. When external sensors fail due to environmental conditions, the deployable sensors provide redundant measurements, effectively copying the sensing capability in a protected location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup deployable sensors in advance that can be deployed when external sensors fail. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous reliable sensor data by having pre-positioned redundant sensors ready to compensate for environmental damage to external sensors.
2Reliability
If redundant external sensors are added, then sensor data reliability improves, but the complexity of the sensor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensor deployment where deployable sensors can be extended or retracted based on operational needs and environmental conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adjust sensor redundancy levels, providing reliability when needed while minimizing complexity during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable sensors are nested within the aircraft structure when not in use, similar to nested dolls. They can be compactly stored and deployed only when external sensors fail, providing redundancy without permanently increasing system complexity or occupying additional space.
3Reliability
If deployable sensors are always deployed, then sensor data reliability is maintained, but the sensors are exposed to environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable sensors dynamically adjust their deployment state based on environmental conditions and sensor health status. They are deployed only when external sensors fail and retracted when environmental conditions are favorable, maintaining reliability while minimizing environmental exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors external sensor performance and environmental conditions, using this feedback to determine when to deploy or retract deployable sensors. This closed-loop control ensures sensors are deployed only when necessary to maintain reliability, avoiding unnecessary exposure to environmental hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for managing sensor system for an aircraft. A presence of erroneous sensor data generated by a set of external sensors on an exterior of the aircraft is detected. A set of deployable sensors is deployed in response to the erroneous sensor data being received from the set of external sensors on the exterior of the aircraft when an undesired environmental condition adverse to the set of external sensors on the exterior of the aircraft is absent. Sensor data is received from the set of deployable sensors.