Electric Aircraft Distance Sensing via Intermodulation Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric aircrafts face challenges in accurately determining distance from surfaces during flight, particularly during takeoff and descent, which is crucial for collision avoidance and safe navigation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor that transmits signals at different frequencies to a computing device, which receives intermodulation products and calculates distance based on signal amplitudes, allowing for real-time aircraft adjustments to maintain safe distances from surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional distance measurement methods are used in electric aircraft, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for safe navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measurement function is segmented into multiple independent frequency channels (first frequency and second frequency), with separate signal transmission and return detection paths. This segmentation allows for more precise distance measurement through frequency comparison while keeping each individual frequency channel relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary frequency conversion mechanism is introduced where the sensor transmits signals at two different frequencies and the computing device processes the returned signals to extract distance information. This intermediary frequency-based approach enables precise distance measurement without requiring complex direct measurement hardware.
2Reliability
If real-time distance monitoring is implemented during takeoff and descent, then the safety is improved, but the response time and processing speed must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance measurements continuously during flight phases such as takeoff and descent, maintaining readiness to detect distance changes before critical situations occur. This preliminary monitoring ensures safety without requiring sudden high-speed processing only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Distance measurements are conducted periodically at regular intervals during flight, allowing the system to maintain reliable safety monitoring while managing processing speed requirements. The periodic measurement approach balances continuous safety monitoring with manageable computational demands.
3Measurement precision
If multiple frequency signals are transmitted for distance measurement, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the frequency parameter of transmitted signals to achieve multiple measurement channels. By varying frequency rather than increasing signal power or repetition rate, the system improves measurement accuracy while minimizing additional energy consumption compared to other measurement enhancement approaches.
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
Enables precise distance measurement and adjustment, enhancing safety and navigation accuracy for electric aircrafts by providing timely adjustments to avoid collisions and ensure safe flight paths.
Implementation Method 1
the returned signal comprises an intermodulation product associated to the first signal and the second signal
Implementation Method 2
receive a returned signal from the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for determining distance in navigation of an electric aircraft is illustrated. The system and method comprise a sensor and a computing device. The sensor is configured to detect a surface and transmit at least a first signal and a first frequency and at least a second signal at a second frequency to a computing device, wherein the first signal and the second signal comprise a corresponding distance. The computing device is configured to receive a returned signal from the sensor, wherein the returned signal comprises an intermodulation product associated to the first signal and the second signal, detect an amplitude of the returned signal as a function of the frequency, identify a distance datum as a function of the amplitude and an amplitude threshold, determine an aircraft adjustment as a function of the distance datum, and transmit the distance datum and aircraft adjustment to a remote device.