Aircraft Flight Stage Detection Using Vibration and Pitch Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to accurately determine the flight stage of an aircraft, such as ascent, cruise, and descent, beyond simply distinguishing between being on the ground or in flight, without access to aircraft data.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing sensors to detect vibration, pitch, and vertical acceleration, processing these signals with algorithms to determine the flight stage and generate command signals for in-flight entertainment systems, ensuring safe operation during different phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional systems use aircraft data bus or discrete signals to determine flight status, then the system can determine whether the aircraft is on the ground or in-flight, but the system fails to provide information concerning the flight stage of the aircraft when in flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional aircraft data bus access method with a sensor-based mechanical detection system. Sensors mounted on the aircraft body detect vibration, pitch, and acceleration patterns to determine flight stages, substituting the need for complex data bus integration while providing detailed flight stage information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the aircraft's physical motion and the flight stage determination system. These sensors act as mediators that convert physical parameters (vibration, pitch, acceleration) into usable data for flight stage classification without requiring direct access to aircraft systems.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple sensors to detect vibration, pitch, and vertical acceleration, then the system can accurately determine flight stages, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (vibration sensors, pitch sensors, and vertical acceleration sensors) into an integrated flight stage determination system. By merging these sensors and processing their data together through algorithms, the system achieves high measurement precision for flight stage detection while managing complexity through unified processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensor system where the same sensor array serves multiple purposes: detecting vibration levels, measuring pitch angle, and capturing vertical acceleration. This universal approach allows accurate flight stage determination across all phases (gate, taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing) using a single integrated system rather than separate specialized systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system processes signals from multiple sensors using algorithms, then the system can determine flight stages including gate, taxi, takeoff, cruise, and landing, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flight operation into distinct stages (gate, taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing) and develops specific processing algorithms for each segment. By dividing the overall flight profile into manageable segments with characteristic sensor patterns, the system achieves comprehensive flight stage coverage while keeping processing complexity manageable through specialized algorithms for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic signal processing that adapts to different flight stages. The processing algorithms dynamically adjust their parameters and thresholds based on the current flight phase, allowing the system to handle the varying characteristics of sensor data across different flight conditions while maintaining versatility in flight stage detection.
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
Accurately identifies flight stages like takeoff, cruise, and landing, enabling safe operation and functionality adjustments for in-flight systems, preventing unintentional operation during critical phases.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor can be utilized to detect a level of vibration at or within an aircraft, and generate a first signal
Implementation Method 2
A second sensor can be used to detect a pitch of the aircraft, and generate a second signal
Implementation Method 3
a third sensor can be used which is configured to detect vertical acceleration of the aircraft, and generate a third signal
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems for determining a flight stage of an aircraft are described in which a vibration sensor and a sensor for determining a pitch of the aircraft are utilized. A server receives signals from the vibration sensor and pitch sensor, and determines the flight stage using a set of algorithms. Depending on the flight stage determined, a command signal can be generated and transmitted to cause one or more components of the aircraft to change in function or power on or off.