Aircraft Landing Weight Estimation Using Dual Gross Weight Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the gross weight of an aircraft are not accurate, particularly regarding fuel quantity, which can lead to overweight conditions upon landing, potentially resulting in fines and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft landing weight determination system that combines data from two sources: gross weight 1, determined pre-flight and during taxi, and gross weight 2, determined in-flight using fuel sensors and weight sensors, to accurately calculate the aircraft's gross weight at any point during flight and predict the weight upon landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If known methods of estimating gross weight are used, then the estimation process is simple, but the accuracy of fuel quantity measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent gross weight determination systems: a ground-based system using weight sensors on the landing gear, and an in-flight system using fuel sensors and aerodynamic measurements. By merging these two systems and comparing their results, the patent achieves accurate fuel quantity measurement while maintaining operational simplicity. The fusion of ground determination and air determination data resolves the contradiction between simple estimation and precise measurement.
2Ease of operation
If gross weight is not accurately determined, then operational procedures are straightforward, but overweight conditions occur upon landing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ground determination system provides initial gross weight data, the in-flight determination system continuously monitors actual weight during flight, and the comparison between these two systems provides feedback on fuel consumption accuracy. This feedback loop enables the system to detect and correct deviations from expected weight loss, ensuring reliable landing weight prediction while maintaining straightforward operational procedures through automated monitoring.
3Device complexity
If fuel consumption is not accurately tracked, then flight operations are simple, but weight predictions at arrival become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel tracking process into two independent measurement approaches: ground-based weight sensor measurement and in-flight aerodynamic measurement. By dividing the overall weight determination into these separate segments that can be independently validated against each other, the system achieves precise weight prediction without requiring complex single-system fuel tracking. The segmentation allows cross-validation of fuel consumption data from multiple independent sources.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft (100) landing weight determination system and method are configured to determine an accurate gross weight of an aircraft (100). The aircraft (100) landing weight determination system and method include a gross weight determination control unit that is configured to determine an accurate gross weight of an aircraft based on a first source of gross weight data of the aircraft (100) and a second source of gross weight data of the aircraft (100).