Aircraft Flight Control Rigging Using Laser Rangefinder Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft flight control rigging methods rely on subjective visual alignment, expose personnel to hazardous conditions, and are affected by environmental factors and surface jitter, necessitating improved systems and methods for precise alignment without visual determination and reduced exposure to hazards.
Innovation Solution
An optical system utilizing laser rangefinders and a processor to measure distances to predefined target locations on both fixed and control surfaces, generating plot line graphics to determine alignment within predefined tolerances, and adjusting the control surface position iteratively to achieve precise alignment, while eliminating the need for mechanical jigs and reducing exposure to hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional visual alignment methods are used, then rigging personnel can determine alignment using mechanical jigs, but the alignment accuracy is subject to subjective visual determination and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual alignment system with an optical measurement system. Laser rangefinders measure distances to target locations on both the fixed surface and control surface, and a processor calculates alignment based on these measurements rather than relying on visual determination. This substitution eliminates the subjectivity and environmental sensitivity of visual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser rangefinders and a processor as intermediaries between the alignment task and the final determination. These intermediaries objectively measure and calculate alignment, serving as a mediator that removes the human element of subjective visual assessment and provides consistent, reliable measurements regardless of environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If rigging personnel physically attach mechanical jigs to the aircraft using machine lifts, then the jigs can be positioned for alignment, but rigging personnel are exposed to potential hazardous falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical jig attachment system with an optical measurement system that does not require physical attachment to the aircraft surfaces. The laser rangefinders can measure distances to target locations without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for machine lifts and the associated fall hazards while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system acts as an intermediary that performs the alignment function without requiring rigging personnel to physically position and attach mechanical devices. The laser rangefinders and processor intermediary system accomplishes the measurement task remotely, removing personnel from hazardous positions.
3Measurement precision
If rigging personnel are positioned close to the moving control surface to clearly view the mechanical jigs, then alignment can be observed, but personnel are exposed to potentially hazardous moving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual observation method with an optical measurement system using laser rangefinders. These devices can measure distances to target locations on moving control surfaces from a safe distance, eliminating the need for personnel to position themselves close to hazardous moving surfaces while maintaining or improving measurement precision through objective digital measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser rangefinders and processor serve as intermediaries that perform the alignment measurement function remotely. This intermediary system captures and processes data about the control surface position without requiring human proximity to the moving surface, thus eliminating exposure to hazards while preserving measurement capability.
4Measurement precision
If the fixed surface is subject to jitter during the rigging process, then conventional visual alignment methods are affected, but optical measurement methods can reduce or eliminate this effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual alignment system with an optical measurement system using laser rangefinders. These devices measure distances to target locations on both the fixed surface and control surface simultaneously, and the processor calculates alignment based on these measurements. This substitution reduces the effect of jitter because the measurements are taken rapidly and processed computationally, rather than relying on stable visual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that computationally determines alignment based on laser measurements. This computational intermediary can process measurements quickly and compensate for minor movements or jitter, providing stable and accurate alignment determination even when the fixed surface experiences vibrations or movements during the measurement process.
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 optical system ensures precise alignment of aircraft flight control surfaces without visual reliance, reduces personnel exposure to hazards, and minimizes the impact of surface jitter, enhancing the accuracy and safety of the rigging process.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of laser rangefinders to measure, for each laser rangefinder of the first set, a distance from the laser rangefinder to a respective target location on a fixed surface of an aircraft, and a second set of laser rangefinders to measure, for each laser rangefinder of the second set, a distance to a respective target location on a control surface of the aircraft
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for aircraft flight control rigging are described. An example system includes a first set of laser rangefinders to measure, for each laser rangefinder of the first set, a distance from the laser rangefinder to a respective target location on a fixed surface of an aircraft, and a second set of laser rangefinders to measure, for each laser rangefinder of the second set, a distance to a respective target location on a control surface of the aircraft. The example system also includes a processor to (i) receive signals indicative of the distance measured by each rangefinder and (ii) generate a first plot line graphic of the measured distances of each of the rangefinders of the first set to its respective target location and a second plot line graphic of the measured distances of each of the laser rangefinders of the second set to its respective target location.