Relative Position Display for Aircraft Formation Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an effective method to display and maintain the relative or fixed position of one moving object with respect to another, particularly in aircraft, which is crucial for formation flights and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising measurement, processing, and display means on a first moving object to determine and display the position of a second moving object, including relative or fixed geographical positions, using measurement elements on both objects and data transmission for periodic triggering and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current systems are used to display position of moving objects, then basic position information can be obtained, but accurate and dynamic display of relative position for formation flights is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the position display function into separate modules: measurement means on both aircraft, processing means on the follower aircraft, and display device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving accurate relative position display through coordinated operation of the divided system.
Solution Approach 2:
A data transmission device acts as an intermediary between the measurement means on the leader aircraft and the processing means on the follower aircraft. This intermediary component enables the exchange of position data between the two aircraft, facilitating accurate relative position calculation without requiring direct complex coupling between all system components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relative position measurement is implemented between two moving objects, then formation flight capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple measurement elements and data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement means on each aircraft serve multiple functions: they provide position data for relative position calculation, can be used for navigation, and support various formation flight configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated specialized equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while enhancing formation flight capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by periodically triggering position measurements and updating the display in real-time. The processing means receives position data, calculates relative position, and feeds this information back to the display device, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate formation flight capability without requiring overly complex open-loop measurement systems.
3Productivity
If periodic triggering of position measurements is used, then dynamic position display is achieved, but energy consumption and measurement frequency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering means periodically activates the measurement means at optimized intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains the dynamic position display functionality while reducing energy consumption by keeping measurement components dormant between triggering events, thus balancing productivity requirements with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can adjust the triggering frequency parameter based on operational requirements. When high precision is needed, the triggering frequency increases; during normal operations, it decreases to conserve energy. This parameter adjustability allows the system to optimize the balance between position update rate and energy consumption dynamically.
Data Source
AI summary
System for displaying on a first moving object a position indication dependent on a position of a second moving object.The system (1) comprises measurement means (2) for carrying out position measurements relating to at least one position dependent on the second moving object, processing means (3) mounted on the first moving object, and connected to the measurement means (2), and intended for the processing of said position measurements so as to produce a characteristic position, a display device (4) mounted on the first moving object, connected to the processing means (3), and presenting on a viewing screen (6), on a display illustrating at least partially the environment of the first moving object, a position indication which is situated at said characteristic position, and triggering means (7) for triggering the implementation of measurements by said measurement means (2).