Aircraft Obstacle Avoidance Using Distributed Laser Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle avoidance systems for aircraft lack comprehensive and reliable methods to detect nearby obstacles in real-time, particularly in wide fields of view, which can lead to potential collisions during flight and ground operations.
Innovation Solution
A network of multiple distance sensors with lasers and detectors mounted on an aircraft, coupled with a controller and optional camera, provides real-time distance measurements and image overlays to alert pilots and ground personnel of obstacles, using LIDAR/LADAR technology and potentially RADAR, enabling effective collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distance sensors with lasers and detectors are mounted on the aircraft, then the ability to detect nearby obstacles in real-time is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection system is divided into multiple independent distance sensors, each with its own laser and detector components. These segmented sensors are distributed across different locations on the aircraft to provide comprehensive coverage of the surrounding environment, improving detection reliability without requiring a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The distance sensors serve multiple functions: they detect obstacles, measure distances, and provide spatial awareness in various directions. The same sensor architecture (laser + detector combination) is universally applied across multiple locations on the aircraft, simplifying the overall system design while enhancing capability
2Measurement precision
If a network of multiple distance sensors is used to cover wide fields of view, then the measurement precision of obstacle distances is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wide field of view is divided into multiple detection zones, each covered by a separate distance sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to focus on a specific angular sector, maintaining measurement precision while collectively covering a broader area than a single sensor could achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a distributed spatial measurement network. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple sensor locations around the aircraft, the system achieves both wide coverage and precise measurements through geometric distribution of sensors
3Ease of manufacture
If distance sensors are externally mounted to the aircraft, then the ease of installation for retrofitting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into independent, self-contained sensor units that can be externally mounted on the aircraft without requiring internal integration. This modular segmentation enables straightforward retrofitting by simply attaching multiple identical units to the aircraft exterior
Solution Approach 2:
The external mounting approach uses the aircraft surface as an intermediary platform, allowing sensors to be attached without modifying the aircraft's internal structure. This intermediary mounting strategy simplifies installation while the sensors themselves handle the complexity of detection and measurement
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
The system effectively warns pilots and ground personnel of nearby obstacles, reducing the risk of collisions by providing accurate distance measurements and visual cues, and can be easily retrofitted onto existing aircraft without structural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
multiple distance sensors mounted to the aircraft. The distance sensors each have one or more lasers for illuminating nearby obstacles
Implementation Method 2
a detector for receiving laser light reflected off the nearby obstacles
Implementation Method 3
laser light reflected off the nearby obstacles
Implementation Method 4
determining distances between the distance sensor and the nearby obstacles based on data received from the detector
Data Source
AI summary
An obstacle avoidance system for an aircraft includes distance sensors mounted to the aircraft. The distance sensors each have one or more lasers for illuminating nearby obstacles and a detector for receiving laser light reflected off the nearby obstacles. A controller is configured for controlling the distance sensors and for determining distances between the distance sensor and the nearby obstacles based on data received from the detector. At least one camera may be externally mounted to the aircraft to provide images of the nearby obstacles. A user interface displays the images and the distances of the nearby obstacles.