Aircraft Trajectory Calculation Engine for Isochrone Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft mission calculation systems are inadequate for business aviation, as they require multiple iterations to adjust to variable mission criteria and do not optimize routes based on real-time meteorology and customer constraints, often relying on established air routes that do not account for performance and comfort factors.

Innovation Solution

A mission calculation system that integrates a calculation engine with a user interface and databases for meteorological and navigation data, capable of calculating isochronous curves and iso-fuel consumption curves to determine optimal trajectories considering aircraft performance, passenger comfort, and meteorological conditions, allowing for rapid adjustments to mission parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional flight plan systems use pre-established air routes and single-input criteria, then the system complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to variable mission criteria and real-time conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to mission criteria
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts flight parameters by calculating multiple trajectory options based on varying mission criteria, weather conditions, and aircraft performance. The calculation engine continuously optimizes trajectories rather than relying on fixed pre-established routes, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated computations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously (speed, altitude, route, fuel consumption) to optimize flight trajectories. By varying these parameters based on mission-specific constraints and real-time conditions, the system achieves high adaptability without requiring proportional increases in operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems perform multiple iterations to adjust mission assumptions, then the adaptability improves, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to mission criteriaVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of multiple trajectory options and identifies optimal paths in advance, considering various mission criteria and constraints. By pre-calculating and comparing different flight scenarios, the system reduces the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments during actual mission planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calculation engine uses feedback from mission criteria, weather data, and aircraft performance to continuously refine trajectory recommendations. This iterative feedback mechanism allows the system to converge on optimal solutions more efficiently than conventional step-by-step adjustment methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If conventional systems follow pre-established flight paths from radio navigation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of optimal trajectories deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtrajectory optimization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional radio navigation-based flight paths with computationally optimized trajectories. By substituting automated calculation engines that consider multiple parameters (weather, performance, constraints) for conventional navigation systems, the achievement of precise optimal trajectories is enabled while maintaining ease of operation through automated generation of flight plans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3489930B1Mission computing system for an aircraft, comprising a computation engine for the aircraft path during the mission and associated method
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 DASSAULT AVIATION SA
  • EP3489930B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3489930B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3489930B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The system includes an aircraft trajectory calculation engine during the mission which includes a trajectory calculation module, designed to calculate a mission trajectory between the geographical origin point (18) and the geographical destination point (20) according to aircraft performance and operational mission specifications. The trajectory calculation module is configured to calculate at least one isochrone curve of the aircraft, including at least one isochrone curve (80) and/or at least one isochrone fuel consumption curve from at least one point (82) of the trajectory and is designed to determine at least one other point (84) of the trajectory on the aircraft isochrone curve.