Distance Sensor Test System for eVTOL
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Solution Overview
Problem
New types of vehicles capable of vertical takeoffs and landings require accurate distance sensors that often need custom testing, as off-the-shelf sensors do not meet specific requirements, necessitating the development of specialized testing systems for both uninstalled and installed sensors.
Innovation Solution
A test system that positions a distance sensor and a measured object at a known distance, using equipment like rails, carriages, pulleys, and wheeled bases to obtain and compare measured distances via multiple signals, providing a test result with optional margin of error, and includes user interfaces for visual and audible feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If off-the-shelf distance sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability do not meet specific autonomous flight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A ground simulator is introduced as an intermediary object to enable testing of distance sensors without requiring actual ground contact or complex installation scenarios. The ground simulator can be positioned at known distances and provides a standardized target for distance measurement, allowing accurate testing while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or simulation of actual ground conditions through the ground simulator. This allows the distance sensor to be tested in a controlled environment that replicates real-world measurement scenarios without requiring the full complexity of actual installation and operation conditions.
2Measurement precision
If custom distance sensors are built to meet specific requirements, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive testing procedures that are performed before the distance sensor is installed in the vehicle. By conducting thorough preliminary testing with the ground simulator at multiple known distances, the system ensures measurement precision requirements are met before deployment, avoiding the need for complex custom manufacturing while guaranteeing accuracy.
3Reliability
If distance sensors are tested after installation, then reliability is improved, but testing difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables distance sensors to be tested before installation in the vehicle, allowing verification of measurement accuracy at multiple known distances using the ground simulator. This preliminary testing approach improves reliability by catching issues early while actually simplifying the process compared to post-installation testing, which would require complex positioning and access.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing function is extracted from the installed vehicle system and performed separately using the ground simulator and positioning equipment. This allows the distance sensor to be tested in isolation before installation, making the testing process easier and more flexible while ensuring reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple testing scenarios are supported, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground simulator is designed as a universal testing platform that can support multiple testing scenarios including different distances, angles, and sensor orientations. By using a single multi-functional ground simulator rather than multiple specialized fixtures, the system achieves high adaptability while keeping device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A distance sensor and a measured object are positioned at a known distance from each other. A measured distance between the distance sensor and the measured object is obtained from the distance sensor, where the distance sensor uses a plurality of signals at a plurality of angles to generate the measured distance. The known distance and the measured distance are compared in order to test the distance sensor and produce a test result.