Dynamic Aircraft Holding Pattern Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current holding patterns for aircraft are fixed and do not account for fuel efficiency, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption and extended holding times, particularly in situations where rapid fuel consumption is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that dynamically generate optimized holding patterns based on real-time and forecast atmospheric conditions, aircraft data, and specific cost function objectives, such as minimizing fuel consumption or maximizing endurance, by adjusting parameters like location, altitude, orientation, and shape of the holding pattern.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If fixed holding patterns with predefined parameters are used, then simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but fuel consumption is not optimized and holding time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidholding pattern system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static, fixed holding patterns into dynamic, adaptive holding patterns that automatically adjust parameters such as altitude, speed, and pattern geometry based on real-time atmospheric conditions and aircraft performance data. This enables the system to optimize fuel consumption continuously while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes multiple parameters of the holding pattern simultaneously, including altitude, airspeed, turn radius, and pattern orientation, based on optimization algorithms that consider atmospheric conditions and fuel efficiency objectives. This multi-parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by achieving fuel optimization without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If fixed holding patterns with standard altitude and airspeed are imposed, then ease of operation is maintained, but fuel efficiency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidholding pattern operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding pattern system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting its parameters based on real-time data from atmospheric sensors and aircraft performance systems. The system serves itself by making autonomous decisions about optimal altitude, speed, and pattern geometry without requiring pilot intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where real-time atmospheric conditions and aircraft performance data are continuously monitored and fed into optimization algorithms that adjust holding pattern parameters. This closed-loop control system maintains operational simplicity while achieving fuel efficiency through automated, data-driven adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of moving object

If aircraft remain in holding pattern for extended periods, then mission support capability is maintained, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairborne durationVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary optimization by calculating the most fuel-efficient holding pattern parameters before the aircraft enters the holding pattern. By pre-configuring optimal altitude, speed, and pattern geometry based on forecast atmospheric conditions and mission requirements, the system extends airborne duration while minimizing fuel consumption from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables dynamic adjustment of holding pattern parameters during extended airborne operations, allowing the aircraft to adapt to changing atmospheric conditions and maintain optimal fuel efficiency throughout the mission. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling long-duration missions without proportional increases in fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of time

If rapid fuel consumption is required to reach maximum landing weight, then standard holding patterns are used, but holding time is not minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding timeVSAvoidfuel consumption rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes holding pattern parameters specifically for rapid fuel consumption scenarios by adjusting altitude, airspeed, and pattern geometry to maximize fuel burn rate when needed. The system can switch between fuel-efficient configurations and rapid fuel consumption configurations based on real-time weight and mission requirements, thereby minimizing holding time while achieving maximum landing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10360804B2Methods and apparatus to establish optimized holding patterns for aircraft

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Example methods and apparatus are described herein for establishing optimized holding patterns for aircraft. An example method includes generating, based on a cost function condition, a cost function with at least one holding pattern optimization parameter, applying an optimization routine to the cost function based on optimization conditions to obtain a value for the at least one holding pattern optimization parameter having a minimized cost, and obtaining an optimized holding pattern with the selected value for the at least one holding pattern optimization parameter.