Ground-Based Aircraft Load Simulation and Deflection Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring aircraft in-flight performance during flight are cumbersome, time-consuming, and face difficulties in accurate measurement, necessitating a method to assess aircraft performance under simulated flight-loads without actual flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
Applying simulated flight-loads to an aircraft on the ground using cradle devices with air chambers and pressure sensors to mimic in-flight loads, combined with laser tracking and photogrammetry for precise measurement of deflections, allowing for the determination of expected flight-loads through actual flight data or computer modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-flight testing is used to measure aircraft performance, then measurement data can be obtained under actual flight conditions, but the testing becomes time-consuming and difficult to conduct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting ground-based simulations that pre-test aircraft performance under simulated flight loads before actual flight. The system uses load generators and measurement devices positioned on the ground to apply and measure forces that replicate in-flight conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming in-flight testing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If in-flight testing is conducted to measure aircraft deflections, then actual flight performance data is obtained, but measurement difficulties and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a ground-based replica of in-flight measurement conditions. Instead of measuring actual in-flight deflections, the system uses measurement devices on the ground to measure deflections under simulated loads that replicate flight conditions. This copying approach eliminates the dangers and measurement difficulties of in-flight testing while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled simulation environments.
3Ease of operation
If simulated flight-loads are applied to aircraft on ground, then testing safety and efficiency improve, but measurement precision may be compromised compared to in-flight testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics and hydraulics by using load generators that employ pneumatic or hydraulic systems to apply simulated flight loads to the aircraft on the ground. These systems can precisely control and replicate complex load patterns that mimic actual flight conditions, maintaining measurement accuracy while improving safety and ease of operation by eliminating the need for in-flight testing.
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
Enables accurate and efficient measurement of aircraft performance under simulated flight-conditions, reducing drag and improving design without the need for in-flight testing, leading to cost savings, reduced wear, and faster travel times.
Implementation Method 1
cradle devices with air chambers and pressure sensors to mimic in-flight loads
Implementation Method 2
cradle devices with air chambers and pressure sensors to mimic in-flight loads
Implementation Method 3
laser tracking and photogrammetry for precise measurement of deflections
Implementation Method 4
laser tracking and photogrammetry for precise measurement of deflections
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to methods of measuring an aircraft under simulated flight-loads while the aircraft is not in-flight. While the aircraft is under the simulated flight-loads, positions of one or more portions of the aircraft may be measured in order to determine how the aircraft is performing under such loads. The aircraft may be readjusted and/or redesigned based on the measurements in order to reduce drag on the aircraft.