Aircraft LiDAR Ground Collision Avoidance for Congested Ramp Taxiing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft ground collision avoidance in congested airport ramp areas is challenging due to limited pilot visibility and existing monitoring systems' inefficiencies, particularly during independent ground travel with electric taxi drive systems, where collisions can occur despite the use of cameras and sensors.
Innovation Solution
An improved aircraft ground collision avoidance system employing scanning LiDAR monitoring devices mounted on the aircraft's nose and main landing gears, providing panoramic three-dimensional views of the surrounding environment, which are processed and displayed in real-time to the cockpit, enabling pilots to avoid collisions and enhance situational awareness without compromising aerodynamics during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If cameras and sensors are mounted on exterior locations of the aircraft, then pilot situational awareness is improved, but collisions still occur due to limited coverage and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical sensing systems (cameras and sensors) with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. LiDAR uses laser beams to actively scan and map the environment, providing precise distance measurements and 3D spatial awareness that cameras cannot achieve. This substitution enables reliable detection of obstacles in areas not visible to the pilot, directly resolving the contradiction between improved situational awareness and actual collision avoidance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D camera images to 3D spatial mapping using LiDAR technology. By scanning the environment in three dimensions and creating point cloud representations, the system provides comprehensive environmental awareness including depth, distance, and spatial relationships that flat camera images cannot convey. This dimensional enhancement allows the pilot to perceive obstacles and terrain in a way that directly prevents collisions.
2Reliability
If LiDAR monitoring devices are mounted on aircraft exterior locations, then ground collision avoidance is improved, but aircraft aerodynamics may be compromised during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs retractable LiDAR monitoring devices that can dynamically change their position state. During ground operations, the devices are extended to optimal monitoring positions to maximize collision avoidance capability. During flight, the devices are retracted to maintain aerodynamic efficiency. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different operational requirements at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the aircraft into functional segments with specialized monitoring equipment. Rather than modifying the entire aircraft structure, LiDAR devices are mounted on specific segments (landing gear, wingtips, or fuselage) that can be independently positioned or retracted. This segmentation allows aerodynamic optimization during flight while maintaining monitoring capability during ground operations.
3Productivity
If multiple aircraft operate simultaneously in congested ramp areas, then airport productivity is improved, but collision risk increases due to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where LiDAR continuously scans the environment, detects obstacles and other aircraft, and provides real-time spatial awareness to the pilot. This continuous feedback loop allows pilots to navigate congested ramp areas safely by receiving ongoing information about the positions of other aircraft, ground vehicles, and personnel, enabling high-density operations without increasing collision risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LiDAR-based environmental mapping as an intermediary between the pilot and the complex ramp environment. Rather than relying on direct visual observation, the LiDAR system creates an intermediate 3D representation of the environment that simplifies the pilot's task of navigating congested areas. This intermediary processing of spatial information enables safe operation in high-density scenarios.
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 significantly improves safety and efficiency by providing comprehensive environmental monitoring, allowing pilots to navigate independently within airport ramp areas, reducing collision risks, and optimizing airside operations by integrating LiDAR technology with air traffic control and ground personnel.
Implementation Method 1
employing scanning LiDAR monitoring devices mounted on the aircraft's nose and main landing gears
Data Source
AI summary
An improved ground collision avoidance system and method is provided for aircraft driven during ground operations by electric taxi drive systems. One or more monitoring devices employing scanning LiDAR technology may be mounted in exterior locations on or near aircraft landing gears or aerodynamically in locations on the aircraft fuselage selected to generate panoramic three-dimensional images from any point of view within or without the aircraft as the aircraft is driven independently within an airport ramp area. The point of view images are transmitted in real time to displays in the aircraft cockpit and may be transmitted to displays outside and remote from the aircraft, allowing the pilot and airport personnel to monitor the aircraft moving within the ramp environment and to respond quickly to control the aircraft's electric taxi drive system-powered ground travel to avoid and prevent a potential collision.