Beam Directed Motion Control for Aircraft NDE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling the movement of vehicles, particularly in non-destructive evaluation testing, face challenges such as increased weight and cost due to on-board sensors, reduced precision without external position reference systems, and inaccuracies in tracking movement on aircraft surfaces, which are exacerbated by the limitations of GPS and motion capture systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing an energy source to generate a beam of energy, a position system to identify the beam's position on a target structure, and a movement system to adjust the vehicle's position relative to the beam, allowing precise movement control without the need for on-board sensors, using a feedback loop to align the beam with a reference position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-board sensors are used to control vehicle movement, then measurement precision is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
An external beam system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and the control system. The beam is directed at a target on the vehicle, and the position of the beam on the target provides positional information without requiring sensors on the vehicle itself. This mediator transfers the measurement function from the vehicle to the external system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic sensor systems on the vehicle with an optical beam system. Instead of using accelerometers, gyroscopes, or other onboard sensing mechanisms, the system uses a light beam and target to optically determine vehicle position and orientation, substituting a mechanical sensing approach with an optical field-based approach.
2Measurement precision
If on-board sensors are used to control vehicle movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external beam and target system serves as a simplified intermediary that provides positional information through the position of the beam on the target. This eliminates the need for complex onboard sensor suites, processors, and associated control algorithms, replacing them with a simpler optical measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy or representation of the vehicle's position and orientation through the beam pattern on the target. Instead of physically measuring with sensors, the system uses the optical image of the beam on the target to infer vehicle state, simplifying the measurement apparatus.
3Ease of operation
If GPS and motion capture systems are used for position reference, then vehicle movement tracking is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates on aircraft surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a local measurement system where the beam is directed at a target on the vehicle itself. This local reference frame is independent of the aircraft's movement or GPS signal quality. The position of the beam on the target provides precise local positional information that is not affected by the limitations of global positioning systems or motion capture infrastructure.
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
This solution provides more accurate and cost-effective vehicle movement control, reducing the need for on-board sensors and enhancing precision in navigating complex aircraft surfaces, while minimizing weight and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The energy source may be a light source and the beam of energy is a beam of light that illuminates the area on the target
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target.