Aircraft Fuel Vector Uncertainty Band Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining an aircraft's weight and center of gravity (CG) before flight require extensive calculations and curtailment of loading envelopes to ensure compliance with certification limits, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially when dealing with uncertainties in passenger seating, fuel density, and in-flight movements.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system that calculates a CG profile in real-time prior to flight by determining uncertainty bands for each point along a fuel vector, comparing these to predetermined flight limits, and providing an indication of flight suitability, thereby eliminating the need for traditional curtailed envelopes and reducing the complexity of calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If curtailed loading envelopes are used to account for uncertainties in passenger distribution and fuel movement, then compliance with certification limits is ensured, but the complexity of calculations and procedures increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uncertainty analysis by dividing the fuel vector into multiple discrete points along its length. Each point receives individual uncertainty band calculations based on local physical characteristics, rather than applying a single curtailment factor to the entire envelope. This segmentation allows for more precise and computationally efficient compliance verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional two-dimensional loading envelope approach to a three-dimensional analysis by adding the fuel vector dimension. The fuel vector represents the locus of center of gravity positions as fuel is consumed, and uncertainty bands are applied along this vector. This dimensional extension enables dynamic compliance assessment that accounts for fuel movement without requiring extensive curtailment of the original envelope.
2Measurement precision
If traditional offline calculations are performed to determine loading envelopes, then compliance with weight and balance limits can be verified, but real-time feedback on flight readiness is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of uncertainty bands for each point along the fuel vector during the planning phase. These pre-computed uncertainty characteristics are then rapidly applied during actual flight operations to determine compliance, eliminating the need for time-consuming offline calculations at the point of use while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that provides real-time indication of flight readiness by comparing the aircraft's actual loading conditions against the pre-computed uncertainty bands and fuel vector. The system immediately indicates whether the loading is suitable for flight, enabling operators to make informed decisions without waiting for offline analysis.
3Ease of operation
If average weights are used for passengers and bags to simplify loading calculations, then the calculation process becomes easier, but accuracy in determining actual center of gravity position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from using average weight parameters to directly measuring or accurately determining individual weights and positions. The system accepts actual passenger and baggage weight data along with their specific locations, then uses these precise parameters to calculate the actual center of gravity position. This parameter transformation maintains ease of operation through automated calculation while significantly improving accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A weight and center-of-gravity profile for an aircraft is determined prior to flight. An uncertainty band is determined for each of a plurality of points along a fuel vector for the planned flight. Each of the points along the fuel vector is compared to a predetermined flight limit (e.g., an FAA certified envelope). This comparison is used to decide whether the profile is suitable for flight of the aircraft. If so, an indication is provided to a user (e.g., on a display or by a text message) that the profile is suitable and the aircraft is ready for flight.