Asymmetric Lens ULD Sensor for Cargo Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power drive units (PDUs) in aircraft cargo systems face challenges in accurately detecting the presence and movement of unit load devices (ULDs due to sensor saturation and incorrect detection of location and movement.
Innovation Solution
A ULD sensor system comprising a light source and receiver with plano-convex and bi-convex lenses, respectively, that generates and detects infrared light pulses, allowing for precise determination of cargo presence and movement by focusing light towards specific points and utilizing different focal distances to differentiate between near and distant objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to detect ULD presence and movement, then the system can detect cargo location, but the sensors become saturated and incorrectly detect location and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the sensor system by introducing asymmetric lens configurations with different focal lengths. The source lens has a first focal length while the receiver lens has a second focal length that is 2-10 times longer. This parameter change allows the system to distinguish between near-field reflections (from ULDs) and far-field reflections (from aircraft structures), resolving the saturation and false detection issues while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors detect all reflections, then the system can detect all objects, but the sensors cannot differentiate between cargo and other objects in the cargo compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different optical paths for near-field and far-field reflections. The asymmetric lens system focuses light from different distances to different locations on the detector, allowing the system to selectively process signals from cargo (near-field) versus aircraft structures (far-field). This localized optical processing enables precise target identification while maintaining broad detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the detection system by using different focal lengths to map distance information onto the detector plane. Near-field reflections focus at one location while far-field reflections focus at another location, creating a spatial separation that enables the system to differentiate between cargo and other objects based on their distance from the sensor.
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
The system enhances the accuracy of ULD detection, reducing false positives and sensor saturation, thereby improving the reliability of cargo tracking within the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
having a source lens designed to focus the light towards a first point that is a first distance away from the source lens
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver having a light detector designed to receive a reflection of the light and a receiver lens designed to focus the reflection of the light towards a second point that is towards the light detector and a second distance away from the receiver lens. The second distance is different than the first distance
Implementation Method 3
receiver lens designed to focus the reflection of the light towards a second point
Data Source
AI summary
A unit load device (ULD) sensor for detecting presence and movement of cargo within an aircraft includes a light source designed to generate light as pulses with pulse intervals between the pulses and having a source lens designed to focus the light towards a first point that is a first distance away from the source lens. The ULD sensor also includes a light receiver having a light detector designed to receive a reflection of the light and a receiver lens designed to focus the reflection of the light towards a second point that is towards the light detector and a second distance away from the receiver lens. The second distance is different than the first distance and the detected reflection of the light is usable to determine the presence and the movement of the cargo.