Aircraft Sensor Assembly With Crumple Zone for Remote Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground-based, non-integrated collision avoidance systems for aircraft face challenges in securing portable sensors to remote areas of large aircraft that are outside the reach of a normal person and ensuring sensor functionality after accidental drops, particularly from the T-tail of large jets.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly comprising a sensor releasably secured to a frame sub-assembly, which includes a top panel, bottom panel, and adjustable jaws, allowing easy attachment to remote aircraft areas and ensuring operational integrity even after drops, using ultrasonic radio frequency, RADAR, or LIDAR for distance monitoring, with electrochemical cells for power, and a crumple zone for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable sensors are placed on remote areas of large aircraft (e.g., T-tail), then collision avoidance coverage is improved, but sensor security and operational reliability deteriorate due to inaccessibility and drop damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into separable components: a protective cradle structure and the sensor itself. The cradle can be independently attached to the aircraft surface, providing a stable platform that is easier to reach than the remote T-tail area, while the sensor can be securely mounted within the cradle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A crumple zone or cushioning structure is incorporated into the sensor assembly design. This protective element is positioned to absorb impact forces before they reach the sensor, ensuring that even if the assembly is dropped from great heights, the sensor remains functional and operational.
2Reliability
If sensors are secured to remote aircraft areas, then collision detection coverage is improved, but sensor protection against drop damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly incorporates a crumple zone designed to deform in a controlled manner during impact events. This energy-absorbing structure is positioned between the sensor and the external environment, dissipating impact forces before they can damage the sensor components, thereby maintaining operational reliability even after drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cradle structure utilizes composite materials that combine high strength with energy-absorbing characteristics. These materials provide both structural integrity for mounting the sensor in remote locations and shock absorption capability to protect against drop damage.
3Reliability
If integrated collision avoidance systems are installed during manufacturing, then system reliability is improved, but cost and aircraft grounding requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The collision avoidance system is segmented into modular, portable sensor assemblies that can be independently installed and removed. This allows the system to be installed after manufacturing without requiring aircraft disassembly or FAA certification, reducing installation costs while maintaining reliability through standardized mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable sensor assemblies are designed as cost-effective, replaceable units. If a sensor is damaged or malfunctions, it can be quickly replaced without requiring expensive system-wide repairs or aircraft grounding, making the overall system more cost-effective despite being non-integrated.
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 quick and secure attachment of sensors to remote aircraft areas and maintains functionality despite accidental drops, preventing collisions by monitoring distances effectively.
Implementation Method 1
using ultrasonic radio frequency, RADAR, or LIDAR for distance monitoring
Implementation Method 2
using ultrasonic radio frequency, RADAR, or LIDAR for distance monitoring
Implementation Method 3
using ultrasonic radio frequency, RADAR, or LIDAR for distance monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for use in association with non-integrated, ground-based collision avoidance systems for aircraft, including (a) a sensor; and (b) a frame sub-assembly, wherein the sensor is releasably securable to the frame sub-assembly.