Rotorcraft Blade Position Measurement Using Chip-Scale LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotorcraft experience rougher flight conditions due to variations in blade position, which cannot be corrected during flight and often require post-flight maintenance, leading to delayed resolution of smoother flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a chip-scale LIDAR sensor to dynamically measure and modify blade position in real-time during flight, allowing for immediate adjustment of blade pitch, flap, and leading/lagging positions using a laser source and photodetectors mounted on the rotorcraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional blade position measurement methods are used, then blade position can be measured, but the measurement cannot be performed dynamically during flight and requires post-flight maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical blade position measurement and adjustment systems with an optical LIDAR-based measurement system and automated control system. The LIDAR sensor optically measures blade position parameters (pitch angle, flap angle, lead-lag position) without mechanical contact, enabling dynamic measurement during flight. This substitution allows for real-time detection and correction of blade position variations, eliminating the need for post-flight maintenance and ground-based measurement equipment.
2Measurement precision
If chip-scale LIDAR sensor is used, then blade position can be measured dynamically during flight, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a chip-scale LIDAR sensor that serves multiple functions: it measures blade position parameters (pitch, flap, lead-lag), provides timing signals for rotation synchronization, and can potentially serve other sensing needs. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced technology used. The single sensor platform handles multiple measurement tasks that traditionally required different equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the LIDAR sensor's ability to measure multiple blade position parameters (pitch angle, flap angle, lead-lag position) simultaneously by analyzing different aspects of the returned light signal. By changing the measurement parameters extracted from the same optical measurement, the system achieves comprehensive blade position monitoring without adding multiple separate sensors, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If blade position variations are not corrected during flight, then the rotorcraft experiences rougher flight conditions, but correcting blade position requires return to maintenance depot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the rotorcraft autonomously monitors its own blade position using the LIDAR sensor and automatically corrects deviations through the control system. The system detects blade position variations during flight and triggers appropriate corrections without requiring external maintenance intervention. This self-diagnosis and self-correction capability maintains flight smoothness and reliability while eliminating the need to return to maintenance depots for routine blade position checks and adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system where the LIDAR sensor continuously measures blade position, the control system compares measurements against desired positions, and corrective actions are automatically applied. This real-time feedback mechanism enables the rotorcraft to maintain optimal blade position and smooth flight conditions throughout the mission, automatically compensating for drift or variations without requiring manual intervention or return to maintenance facilities.
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 smoother flight conditions by allowing for in-flight adjustments of blade positions, reducing the need for post-flight maintenance and improving flight performance without waiting for depot repairs.
Implementation Method 1
detecting radiation scattered from the blade in response to illumination of the blade
Implementation Method 2
A blade positioning system and method are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to dynamically measure blade position during flight of a rotorcraft. The blade positioning system includes a track sensor mounted upon the rotorcraft. The track sensor includes a laser source configured to repeatedly illuminate a blade of the rotorcraft with coherent light during flight of the rotorcraft while the blade is rotating.
Data Source
AI summary
A blade positioning system and method are provided to dynamically measure blade position during flight of a rotorcraft. In the context of a method, a blade of the rotorcraft is repeatedly illuminated by a light source during flight of the rotorcraft while the blade is rotating. The method also includes detecting radiation scattered from the blade in response to illumination of the blade. The method further includes determining at least one of a blade pitch angle, a blade flap angle, a blade leading position or a blade lagging position based upon the radiation that is scattered from the blade and detected. A rotorcraft is also provided that includes a chip-scale light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor configured to illuminate the plurality of blades while the blades are rotating in order to permit blade position to be measured or to illuminate terrain beneath the rotorcraft in order to provide an altitude measurement.