Aircraft Trajectory Segmentation for Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining an aircraft's trajectory during military operations require significant pilot attention and do not effectively account for evolving tactical situations, leading to increased mental load and suboptimal flight planning.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that calculate a trajectory with rectilinear sections over unsecured areas to minimize time exposure and sinuous sections over secure areas to allow time adjustments, using a computer-based system with a tactical situation database and intelligent algorithm to assess risk levels and synchronize multiple aircraft trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If isosceles triangles are used to create temporal adjustments in the trajectory, then the trajectory can be adjusted during flight, but the pilot's mental load increases and tactical situation evolution is not taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The trajectory is segmented into multiple sections with different geometric shapes (rectilinear, sinuous, parabolic) depending on the security level of each zone. This segmentation allows automatic adaptation to tactical situations without requiring the pilot to manually manage complex trajectory adjustments, thereby reducing mental load while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trajectory shape dynamically changes based on the aircraft's position relative to secure and unsecure zones. The system automatically transitions between different trajectory types (rectilinear in unsecure zones, sinuous/parabolic in secure zones) to create temporal adjustments, eliminating the need for pilot intervention and reducing cognitive burden.
2Loss of time
If rectilinear sections are used over unsecured areas, then time exposure is minimized, but trajectory flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different trajectory qualities are applied locally based on the security characteristics of each zone. Rectilinear sections with minimal temporal extension are used in unsecure areas to minimize exposure, while sinuous or parabolic sections are used in secure areas to provide temporal flexibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing flexibility only where it is safe to do so.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sinuous sections are used over secure areas, then time reserve is allowed for synchronization, but trajectory length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily plans the trajectory to include sinuous or parabolic sections in secure areas at specific locations where temporal adjustments may be needed. This preliminary incorporation of time-reserve sections allows the aircraft to synchronize with tactical events without requiring last-minute trajectory changes, and the system optimizes the placement and geometry of these sections to minimize overall trajectory length while achieving the required temporal flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the trajectory of an aircraft (10) intended to fly over an operational area (11) in order to perform an action on a target (13) at a given time (Tid). The method comprises a calculation step (E3) of a set of segments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) between a starting point (12), intermediate points (P1, P2, P3, P4), and the target (13). A first type of segment (T2, T4) has a generally straight shape so as to limit the time spent by the aircraft (10) in unsafe areas (Z2, Z4). A second type of segment (T1, T3, T5) has a sinuous shape so as to allow a buffer of time to adjust the position of the aircraft (10) on the target (13) at said given time (Tid) in order to perform the action.