Movable-Beam Anemometry Probe for Remote Wind Heterogeneity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for detecting turbulence onboard aircraft are inadequate in providing timely and reliable detection of remote atmospheric anomalies, leading to potential bodily injuries and structural damage due to sudden aircraft movements.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a movable-beam anemometry probe to measure radial components of relative velocity and determine wind heterogeneities through successive measurements, estimating a vector representative of atmospheric anomalies, and triggering alarms when anomalies are detected, allowing for pre-emptive deflection of airfoils to counter anticipated movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a movable-beam anemometry probe is used to measure radial components of relative velocity, then the detection precision of wind heterogeneities is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precision of wind heterogeneitiesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical turbulence detection systems with an anemometry probe based on Doppler frequency shift measurements. The probe uses electromagnetic radiation (laser or microwave) to measure radial velocity components of air molecules, substituting mechanical sensing with optical/electromagnetic field-based measurement, thereby achieving high precision with reduced mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that calculates wind heterogeneities from successive radial velocity measurements. Instead of directly measuring turbulence with a complex device, the system uses simple velocity measurements taken at different positions and computationally derives the turbulence characteristics through mathematical processing of the velocity data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If successive measurements are taken to determine wind heterogeneities, then the reliability of turbulence detection is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of turbulence detectionVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements of radial velocity components at multiple positions along the beam path before a complete turbulence assessment is needed. By continuously gathering velocity data in advance and storing it for later processing, the system prepares turbulence detection information proactively, reducing the time required when actual turbulence detection is critical

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anemometry probe continuously measures radial velocity components along its beam path as the aircraft moves through different atmospheric conditions. This continuous measurement approach ensures that turbulence detection is an ongoing process rather than intermittent sampling, maintaining reliability while minimizing time loss through uninterrupted data collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If remote detection of atmospheric anomalies is implemented, then the productivity of flight operations is improved, but the measurement precision of local velocity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproductivity of flight operationsVSAvoidmeasurement precision of local velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the velocity measurement into two distinct components: local radial velocity measured by the anemometry probe and remote wind heterogeneity derived through calculation. The probe measures the radial component of velocity along its beam path with high precision, while the three-dimensional wind field is reconstructed by combining this radial measurement with aircraft motion data, allowing remote detection without sacrificing local measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 early detection and characterization of remote wind heterogeneities, reducing the risk of aircraft accidents by allowing timely adjustments in flight trajectory, thereby minimizing injuries and structural damage.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the orthogonal projection onto the sighting axis, named the radial component, of a relative velocity remotely with respect to a remote air mass, for example, by Doppler frequency shift

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler frequency shift: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8884808B2System and method for detecting and determining remote atmospheric anomalies

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 THALES SA

AI summary

A system for detecting and determining remote atmospheric anomalies is furnished with a movable-beam anemometry probe for measuring the orthogonal projection onto the sighting axis, named the radial component, of a relative velocity remotely, with respect to a remote air mass by Doppler frequency shift. The system comprises means for determining wind heterogeneities remotely, on the basis of at least two successive measurements, at one and the same remote point, of the radial component of the relative velocity of the system with respect to the remote air mass, by said anemometry probe, the line of sight of said anemometry probe comprising said remote point during said successive measurements.