Ejectable Flight Data Recorder with Autonomous Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft flight data recorders often face difficulties in being recovered after accidents in inaccessible locations, such as over the sea or mountains, hindering the investigation of accident circumstances.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a primary flight data recorder unit and an ejectable secondary flight data recorder unit with a propulsion system, guidance system, and communication interfaces, which can autonomously navigate to a selected destination, such as the nearest land or marine body, after being ejected from the aircraft during a crash, facilitating data recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fixed flight data recorder is installed in the aircraft, then the data recording function is reliable, but the data cannot be recovered when the aircraft crashes in inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The flight data recording system is divided into two independent parts: a primary flight data recorder that remains in the aircraft and a secondary ejectable flight data recorder that can be deployed independently. The secondary recorder contains its own propulsion system, guidance system, and power source, allowing it to separate from the main aircraft and autonomously reach a recoverable location while the primary recorder continues its fixed recording function.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary flight data recorder is extracted from the main aircraft system through an ejection mechanism. This extracted recorder includes essential subsystems (propulsion, guidance, power source) that enable it to function independently after separation, allowing data recovery in scenarios where the main aircraft is inaccessible.
2Ease of operation
If an ejectable secondary flight data recorder with propulsion system is added, then the data recovery capability in inaccessible areas is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary flight data recorder is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines data recording, propulsion, guidance/navigation, power generation, and communication capabilities in a single compact unit. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate systems and managing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary recorder employs a nested structure where the guidance system, power source, and propulsion components are integrated within the recorder housing. The guidance system includes nested GPS and inertial measurement units, while the power source may contain nested battery cells and management circuits, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary recorder includes propulsion and guidance systems, then the autonomous navigation capability is improved, but the weight of the recorder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system implements partial action by using a hybrid approach: GPS provides position information when available, while inertial measurement units provide navigation capability when GPS signals are unavailable. This partial use of multiple systems ensures navigation capability without the full weight of redundant complete systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary recorder uses lightweight modern propulsion components that replicate the essential flight capabilities of full-scale aircraft systems at a reduced scale. The propulsion system copies the basic thrust generation principle using compact electric motors and propellers, achieving sufficient performance for short-range autonomous flight to recoverable areas.
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 the autonomous powered flight and navigation of the secondary flight data recorder unit to a recoverable location, ensuring that critical flight data can be retrieved even in inaccessible areas, thereby simplifying accident investigation.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary flight data recorder unit comprises a propulsion system to enable powered flight of the secondary flight data recorder unit
Implementation Method 2
the guidance system comprises a gyroscope
Implementation Method 3
the secondary flight data recorder unit comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)... the outer surface of which forms an aerofoil profile
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for recording aircraft flight data including a primary flight data recorder unit for recording data generated by aircraft systems during operation of an aircraft and a secondary flight data recorder unit in communication with the primary flight data recorder unit. The secondary flight data recorder unit is configured to receive and store data from the primary flight data recorder. The secondary flight data recorder unit is ejectable from the aircraft, and comprises a propulsion system to enable powered flight of the secondary flight data recorder unit.