Aircraft Surface Navigation Combining W-Band and ADS-B Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft surface navigation systems face challenges in detecting non-cooperative aircraft and obstacles due to the absence of ADS-B signals, relying heavily on pilot-driven operations, which can lead to increased risk of collisions during taxi operations.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a W-band sensor and ADS-B receiver to detect both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft, integrated with a controller to process and display navigation information, enabling automated taxi operations and obstacle avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ADS-B signals are used for aircraft detection, then cooperative aircraft can be detected, but non-cooperative aircraft without ADS-B signals cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ADS-B receiver and W-band radar sensor into a single surface navigation system. The ADS-B receiver handles cooperative aircraft detection while the W-band radar sensor detects non-cooperative aircraft and obstacles, creating complementary detection capabilities that resolve the limitation of relying on single-source signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The W-band radar sensor serves multiple functions: detecting non-cooperative aircraft, detecting obstacles on the ground, and providing backup detection when ADS-B signals are unavailable. This multi-functionality ensures comprehensive situational awareness regardless of aircraft cooperation status.
2Ease of operation
If pilot-driven operations are used for taxiing, then operational flexibility is maintained, but collision risk increases due to reliance on human judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the pilot through the display showing detected aircraft and obstacles. The controller continuously monitors sensor data and presents navigation information that enables the pilot to make informed decisions during taxi operations, reducing collision risk while maintaining pilot control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the pilot and the environment. It processes sensor data from W-band and ADS-B sources, calculates navigation information, and presents it to the pilot through the display, enabling automated guidance assistance while the pilot maintains final control authority.
3Device complexity
If only ADS-B receiver is used, then system complexity is low, but detection capability for non-cooperative aircraft is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two specialized components: ADS-B receiver for cooperative aircraft and W-band radar sensor for non-cooperative aircraft and obstacles. Each component is optimized for its specific detection task, improving overall measurement precision while keeping each subsystem relatively simple.
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
Enhances safety and efficiency by providing precise detection and navigation assistance, reducing the risk of collisions and expediting aircraft movements through automated guidance and obstacle avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
a W-band sensor configured to detect objects including non-cooperative aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for aircraft surface navigation is disclosed. The method may include receiving W-band data from a W-band sensor configured to detect objects including non-cooperative aircraft. The method may also include receiving Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data from an ADS-B receiver configured to receive ADS-B signals from cooperative aircraft. Additionally, the method may involve identifying navigation information based on the W-band data and the ADS-B data, the navigation information comprising cooperative traffic and non-cooperative traffic, and displaying the navigation information via a display.