Digital Micro-Mirror Device Relative Positioning for Aerial Refueling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems are inadequate for precisely positioning two moving objects relative to each other, particularly in dynamic environments like aerial refueling, due to size, cost, and complexity constraints, and lack of adaptability to varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A digital micro-mirror device (DMD) system that projects a position reference grid using a radiation source and modulator, allowing precise positioning of moving objects by interpreting reflected radiation as location coordinates, which are then communicated for accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical systems are employed for positioning refueling drogues with respect to refueling probes, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system size, cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into two independent components: a transmitter mounted on the tanker aircraft that projects a position reference grid, and a receiver mounted on the receiver aircraft that detects the grid and determines position. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while maintaining overall positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy (projected image) of the position reference grid in the air space between aircraft. Instead of using complex physical measurement devices on both aircraft, the receiver simply detects the optical pattern, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional positioning systems are used, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but positioning precision for moving objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an optical intermediary (the projected position reference grid) that serves as a temporary reference framework in the air space. This intermediary allows precise relative positioning between moving aircraft without requiring permanent ground infrastructure, bridging the gap between infrastructure independence and positioning precision.
3Measurement precision
If GPS systems are included for positioning, then location information is provided, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electronic/GPS-based positioning with an optical positioning mechanism. The transmitter projects optical patterns and the receiver detects them using optical sensors, substituting the need for power-intensive GPS receivers with lower-power optical detection systems while maintaining positioning capabilities.
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 precise relative spatial positioning of moving objects with high accuracy and reliability, even in challenging conditions, using a compact, lightweight, and low-power system suitable for various applications including aerial refueling, without requiring extensive infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the radiation reflected from the plurality of micro-mirrors is projected on to a designated location in a designated pattern representative of a position reference grid
Implementation Method 2
a modulator operatively coupled to the digital micro-mirror device. The modulator is configured to modulate one or more of the plurality of micro-mirrors
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect the radiation reflected from the plurality of micro-mirrors and interpret the detected radiation as location coordinates in the position reference grid
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating a position reference grid and relative positioning of an object are presented. Radiation is emitted towards a digital micro-mirror device including a plurality of micro-mirrors. Additionally, one or more of a plurality of micro-mirrors are modulated such that at least a portion of the radiation reflected from the plurality of micro-mirrors is projected on to a designated location in a designated pattern representative of a position reference grid. The radiation reflected from the plurality of micro-mirrors is detected. Further, the detected radiation is interpreted as location coordinates in the position reference grid. Additionally, the location coordinates are communicated to the object moving in relation to the digital micro-mirror device for positioning the object at a designated position in the position reference grid.