Aircraft Steering Angle Monitoring Using Underbelly Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft tractors face challenges in monitoring and preventing over-steering during aircraft movement on the ground, which can lead to damage, and existing systems require complex distance-measuring algorithms or modifications to the aircraft fuselage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using scanners on the tractor's platform to determine the steering-angle between the tractor and aircraft by obtaining scanning information of the aircraft's underbelly, calculating real-time geometric properties, and generating warnings if the steering-angle approaches mechanical limits, without the need for complex algorithms or fuselage modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex distance-measuring algorithms are used to monitor steering-angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distance-measuring algorithms with an optical scanning system. Scanners mounted on the tractor scan the aircraft's underbelly to generate geometric data, which is then processed to determine steering-angle. This substitution of mechanical computation with optical sensing and geometric analysis simplifies the overall system while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a geometric model (copy) of the aircraft's underbelly by scanning its surface features. Instead of directly measuring distance with complex algorithms, the system scans and records the geometric properties of the underbelly surface, then uses these copied geometric data to calculate steering-angle through simpler mathematical relationships.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect aircraft position, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and operational constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensors with optical scanners. The scanners use light to detect and map the geometric features of the aircraft's underbelly, eliminating the need for ultrasonic detection systems. This substitution simplifies the detection system while providing continuous geometric data for steering-angle calculation.
3Measurement precision
If laser beams are directed at aircraft surface with specific reflection properties, then steering-angle detection is improved, but device complexity and aircraft modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the aircraft's underbelly serve the detection function naturally. The existing geometric features of the underbelly (surface contours, panel lines, structural elements) are used as the detection target. No special reflective marks, painted patterns, or modified surfaces are required on the aircraft - it simply needs to be scanned by the onboard scanners.
4Reliability
If continuous monitoring of steering-angle is implemented, then safety is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous steering-angle monitoring by continuously scanning the aircraft's underbelly geometry. The scanners operate continuously to track changes in the relative position between tractor and aircraft, enabling real-time detection of steering-angle without interruption. This continuous action ensures safety while the system processes data efficiently to manage energy consumption.
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
Effectively monitors and prevents over-steering by continuously calculating the steering-angle and alerting operators, ensuring safe aircraft movement without requiring complex algorithms or fuselage modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a source of collimated radiation which directs a beam on a surface of the aircraft having at least two significantly different collimated radiation reflecting areas
Implementation Method 2
two beam sources and receivers may be provided
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein includes, inter alia, a method and system (100) which enables to determine the steering-angle between the longitudinal axis of a tractor and the longitudinal axis of an aircraft which is being led by the tractor. While an aircraft is being led, the underbelly of the aircraft is scanned by one or more scanners (101, 103) in one or more planes, the ranges of scanned groups of points of the underbelly are compared to stored values, thus the steering-angle can be repeatedly determined and compared to a threshold value defining a mechanical steering limit. In case the comparison complies with one or more predefined conditions (e.g. the steering-angle is equal or smaller the threshold value) a warning can be generated indicating to an operator that the steering-angle has reached (or is about to reach) its limit and should be adjusted accordingly.