DME Antenna Switching for Line-of-Sight Obstacles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft distance-measuring equipment (DME) systems with lower-mounted antennas face communication issues due to line-of-sight obstacles and potential antenna failures, as they may not maintain adequate contact with DME ground stations, especially when the aircraft's orientation or landing gear position interferes with the signal.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for automatic switching between a lower and upper fuselage-mounted DME antenna based on aircraft configuration, orientation, and position information, using a processing device to determine and address communication issues by selecting the antenna with the best line-of-sight and signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lower-mounted DME antenna is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of DME communication deteriorates when line-of-sight is compromised or antenna failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antennas (lower fuselage antenna and upper fuselage antenna) that can operate independently. This allows the system to maintain reliability by switching between antennas if one fails or becomes obstructed, while keeping each individual antenna simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter by switching between different antenna locations (lower vs. upper fuselage) based on communication conditions. The processing device monitors signal quality and automatically selects the appropriate antenna, allowing the system to adapt to changing line-of-sight conditions without manual intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If a lower-mounted DME antenna is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different aircraft configurations and orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The DME system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a lower-mounted antenna and an upper-mounted antenna. This universal design allows the same DME system to handle various aircraft configurations, orientations, and operational conditions, making the system adaptable to different scenarios while maintaining ease of manufacture for each antenna type.
3Reliability
If automatic antenna switching is implemented, then the reliability of DME communication is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring its own communication quality and making decisions about antenna switching without external intervention. The processing device continuously evaluates signal strength and line-of-sight conditions, automatically selecting the best antenna based on real-time conditions, which reduces the need for complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the processing device continuously monitors the performance of the DME communication and adjusts antenna selection based on this feedback. By monitoring signal quality metrics and automatically switching antennas when degradation is detected, the system maintains high reliability while keeping the control logic manageable through continuous feedback loops.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that allow for distance-measuring equipment (DME) to use either a lower or an upper fuselage-mounted antenna. An exemplary system located on an aircraft includes an aircraft configuration data source that generates aircraft configuration information, an aircraft orientation data source that generates aircraft orientation information, a positioning system that generates aircraft position information and a component that provides DME ground station position information. The system also includes a first antenna, a second antenna and a processing device that determines if a DME signal communication issue exists with the first antenna that is based on the generated aircraft position information, the DME ground station position information and at least one of the configuration or orientation information. The processing device switches DME signal communication to the second antenna if a DME signal communication issue has been determined to exist.