Portable Aircraft Sensor Assembly With Drop-Protected Tail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-integrated ground-based collision avoidance systems for aircraft face challenges in securely attaching and maintaining portable sensors on large aircraft, particularly the tail section, which is out of reach and prone to damage if dropped.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly comprising a sensor and a frame sub-assembly that allows quick and secure attachment to remote aircraft areas, including the tail, and is designed to remain functional even if dropped, using ultrasonic radio frequency, RADAR, or LIDAR for distance monitoring and protected by a frame with crumple zones and adjustable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable sensors are placed on remote areas of large aircraft (e.g., tail section 25-35 feet above ground), then collision avoidance coverage is improved, but sensor security and protection from damage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into modular components: a protective housing containing the sensor, a mounting bracket system, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the sensor to be securely mounted on remote aircraft surfaces while maintaining ease of installation and removal by ground personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing incorporates cushioning elements and shock-absorbing features designed to protect the sensor if it is inadvertently dropped from high aircraft surfaces. This beforehand cushioning ensures the sensor remains functional even after impact, addressing the security concern while maintaining collision avoidance coverage.
2Reliability
If integrated collision avoidance systems are installed during original manufacturing, then system reliability and performance are improved, but cost and aircraft grounding requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is extracted as a separate, portable unit from the aircraft structure, allowing it to be mounted and removed independently without requiring aircraft grounding or complex integration into the airframe. This maintains system performance while dramatically reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can be mounted on various aircraft types and configurations using standardized attachment mechanisms. This universality allows the same sensor design to serve multiple aircraft without requiring custom integration, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-integrated portable sensor systems are used, then cost and maintenance flexibility are improved, but sensor security on large aircraft surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing incorporates shock-absorbing cushioning elements designed to protect the sensor if dropped from high aircraft surfaces. This beforehand cushioning maintains sensor security and functionality while keeping the system portable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing utilizes composite materials that provide both protection and portability. These materials offer adequate protection against drop damage while maintaining a weight and size profile suitable for manual handling and installation on large aircraft surfaces.
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 secure and functional operation of sensors on large aircraft, preventing collisions and reducing maintenance costs by allowing easy attachment and detachment, and protecting sensors from damage during use.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to monitor the distance between itself and another object via ultrasonic radio frequency ranging from approximately 20 kHz to approximately 5 GHz
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is configured to monitor the distance between itself and another object via RADAR
Implementation Method 3
The sensor is configured to monitor the distance between itself and another object via LIDAR
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.