Aircraft Autobrake Runway Incursion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Runway incursions continue to occur due to factors like poor visibility, airport unfamiliarity, and pilot errors, despite existing Runway Warning and Status Lights (RWSL) systems, as pilots may fail to react promptly to illuminated lights, especially in adverse conditions or due to fatigue and distractions.
Innovation Solution
An augmented aircraft autobrake system that uses a wireless receiver to receive runway status data from the RWSL system, coupled with an aircraft brake mechanism and controller, which identifies potential incursion zones and automatically commands the brakes to stop or slow the aircraft before entering such zones, reducing reliance on human reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pilots rely on visual reaction to RWSL illuminated lights to prevent runway incursions, then the system remains simple and manual, but pilot reaction time is insufficient especially in adverse conditions or due to fatigue and distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The autobrake system performs self-service by automatically monitoring runway status data, determining incursion risks, and applying brakes without requiring pilot intervention. The system serves itself by integrating with existing autobrake infrastructure and using onboard sensors to autonomously prevent runway incursions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical reaction system (pilot visual detection and physical brake application) with an automated electronic control system. The controller processes runway status data and automatically commands the brake mechanism, substituting human reaction with electronic detection and control
2Reliability
If an automated autobrake system is implemented to prevent runway incursions, then reliability improves by removing human reaction time limitations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the existing autobrake controller and brake mechanism for both normal landing/taxi operations and runway incursion prevention. The wireless receiver and controller software provide multiple functions including receiving runway status data, determining incursion zones, and commanding brake application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the runway incursion prevention function with the existing autobrake system infrastructure. The wireless receiver integrates with the aircraft's communication systems, and the controller combines incursion detection logic with standard autobrake control, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors runway status data and projects incursion zones, then detection precision improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs periodic evaluation of runway status data at defined intervals during taxi and approach phases rather than continuous monitoring. The system activates monitoring when specific conditions are met (e.g., when approaching runway thresholds), reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection precision when needed
Data Source
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AI summary
Augmented autobrake systems useful in preventing accidents related to runway incursions are provided, as are related processes and program products.In one embodiment, the augmented autobrake system is deployed on an aircraft and utilized in conjunction with a Runway Warning and Status Lights (RWSL) system. The augmented autobrake system includes a wireless receiver configured to receive runway status data from the RWSL system, an aircraft brake mechanism, and a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and to the aircraft brake mechanism. The controller is configured to: (i) identify when the aircraft is projected to enter a runway incursion zone based at least in part upon the runway status data and vector data pertaining to the aircraft, and (ii) when the aircraft is projected to enter a runway incursion zone, commanding the aircraft brake mechanism to stop the aircraft prior to entry into the runway incursion zone.