Aircraft Approach Angle Blending for Accurate Landing Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft landing systems face inaccuracies in providing approach and landing data due to compromised information, which can affect pilot control, air traffic management, and computerized tools during the approach and landing phases.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that detect the actual approach profile of an aircraft, compare it to a predetermined profile, and calculate an effective approach angle by combining actual and predetermined angles using a variable factor, thereby predicting the landing distance accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a predetermined approach profile is used for landing, then the landing procedure is standardized and easy to follow, but the accuracy of landing distance prediction deteriorates when actual flight conditions deviate from the predetermined profile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardization of landing procedureVSAvoidlanding distance prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the approach angle by blending the predetermined approach angle with the actual detected approach angle using a blending factor. This allows the system to transition from a static predetermined profile to a dynamic adaptive profile that responds to actual flight conditions, thereby maintaining prediction accuracy while preserving the benefits of standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously detects the actual approach profile during flight and uses this feedback to adjust the effective approach angle calculation. By comparing actual flight data with predetermined values and applying a blending factor, the system incorporates real-time feedback to improve prediction accuracy without abandoning the standardized predetermined profile framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If only the actual detected approach angle is used, then the prediction reflects real-time flight conditions, but the benefit of predetermined safety margins and standardized procedures is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time prediction accuracyVSAvoidsafety margin preservation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the predetermined approach angle (which embodies safety margins and standardized procedures) with the actual detected approach angle (which reflects real-time conditions). By combining these two sources of information through a blending factor, the system preserves both the reliability benefits of predetermined profiles and the accuracy benefits of real-time detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The effective approach angle is computed as a composite value combining predetermined and actual approach angles. This composite parameter integrates the stability and safety margins of predetermined values with the accuracy of real-time measurements, creating a hybrid solution that leverages both sources of information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the approach angle varies significantly from the predetermined profile, then the system can adapt to unusual flight conditions, but the consistency and predictability of the landing procedure decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to flight variationsVSAvoidprocedure consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of approach angle by applying a blending factor that adjusts the weight given to predetermined versus actual values. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying flight conditions while maintaining a degree of consistency through the structured blending approach, rather than fully deviating from the predetermined profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3306593B1Method and system for determining effective approach angle and predicting aircraft landing distance
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3306593B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3306593B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3306593B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of predicting a parameter for an aircraft includes detecting an actual approach profile of the aircraft. The actual approach profile includes an actual approach angle. The method also includes comparing, by a processor, the actual approach profile to a predetermined approach profile to determine a difference between the actual and predetermined approach profiles. The predetermined approach profile includes a predetermined approach angle. The method further includes determining, by the processor, an effective approach angle by combining the actual approach angle and the predetermined approach angle according to a factor that varies based on the difference between the actual and predetermined approach profiles. Moreover, the method includes determining, by the processor, the predicted parameter based on the effective approach angle.