Flight Path Calculation for Radiation Dose Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to reliably predict and mitigate radiation exposure from solar and galactic events during flights, leading to unpredictable radiation dose rates and inefficient flight route changes that increase fuel consumption and pose ecological concerns.

Innovation Solution

A method for flight route calculation that records radiation data, infers radiation dose-relevant events, creates a model estimating increased radiation areas, and adjusts flight routes to minimize exposure, considering fuel, weather, and economic factors, using ground and aircraft-based measuring stations and satellite data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If flight routes are adjusted to avoid radiation areas, then radiation exposure is reduced, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of radiation events and pre-calculates alternative flight routes before the aircraft needs to respond. By detecting solar particle events early and computing optimized paths in advance, the system enables timely route adjustments that reduce radiation exposure without excessive fuel consumption penalties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flight route calculation is dynamically adjusted based on real-time radiation data and aircraft parameters. The system continuously updates the optimal path by considering current radiation intensity distributions, aircraft position, speed, and fuel state, allowing adaptive optimization that balances radiation protection with fuel efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If general planning with dose-reducing measures is implemented, then radiation exposure is reduced, but fuel consumption and pollutant emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidpollutant emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements preliminary detection of radiation events and pre-computes optimized flight routes before general planning is needed. By having radiation monitoring and route calculation capabilities ready in advance, the system can respond to actual radiation events with targeted route adjustments rather than implementing continuous conservative routing, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes flight parameters (route, altitude, speed) dynamically based on radiation event characteristics and aircraft state. Rather than maintaining fixed conservative parameters, the system adjusts parameters in response to actual radiation conditions, optimizing the balance between radiation protection and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If flight altitude is reduced to decrease radiation exposure, then radiation dose is reduced, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation doseVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts flight altitude based on real-time radiation conditions and aircraft performance characteristics. By continuously optimizing the altitude parameter according to current radiation intensity, particle type, and aircraft state, the system determines the most efficient altitude that minimizes radiation exposure while considering fuel consumption implications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2898381B1Method for the calculation of flight paths taking into consideration events of relevance for radiation dose
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT UND RAUMFAHRT E V
  • EP2898381B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A method for the calculation of flight paths taking into consideration events of relevance for radiation dose comprises the following steps: a) collection of radiation data for atmospheric radiation (10); b) examination of the radiation data and determination of an event of relevance for radiation dose generating a temporary increase in exposure; c) creation of a model using the radiation data, wherein the model contains at least one estimate of the geographical location of a region with a radiation intensity increased by the event of relevance for radiation dose; d) determination of flight-relevant parameters; e) calculation of a possible flight path in the light of the flight-relevant parameters taking into consideration the model created in step c), wherein the flight path is adjusted in respect of a reduction of exposure to radiation.