GPS Backup Airspeed Display for Pitot-Static Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft pitot-static systems are susceptible to failures due to blockages or icing, leading to unreliable airspeed measurements, and existing redundant systems can also fail simultaneously, leaving no backup airspeed measurement in emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS) information to generate a backup airspeed reference, which is displayed in the cockpit when primary airspeed measurements are invalid, providing an independent and failure-mode-different airspeed measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant pitot-static airspeed measurement systems are implemented, then airspeed measurement reliability is improved, but all systems can still fail simultaneously due to common mode failures such as blockage by ice, volcano ash, bird strikes, or pitot heater failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairspeed measurement reliabilityVSAvoidcommon mode failure susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pitot-static measurement system with an electromagnetic/GPS-based airspeed measurement system. The GPS receiver uses satellite signals to determine aircraft position and calculates airspeed from position changes over time, eliminating dependence on physical pitot tubes and static ports that are susceptible to blockage by ice, ash, or birds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces GPS satellite signals as an intermediary medium for airspeed measurement. Instead of directly measuring air pressure differences through pitot-static systems, the system uses GPS positional data as an intermediate reference to calculate airspeed, providing a completely independent measurement pathway that is immune to pitot-static system failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple pitot-static systems are used for redundancy, then backup airspeed measurement is available, but the complexity of the measurement system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup airspeed availabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the GPS system multi-functional by using it for both navigation/positioning and airspeed measurement. The same GPS receiver that provides location information is also used to calculate airspeed from positional changes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated backup airspeed measurement equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the navigation function and airspeed measurement function into a single GPS-based system. By combining these functions, the system reduces the number of separate components needed compared to having multiple independent pitot-static systems, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9146250B2Methods and systems for displaying backup airspeed of an aircraft

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

The disclosed embodiments relate to an aircraft that includes system for selecting an airspeed reference that is displayed within a cockpit of an aircraft. The system includes a processor and a display located in the cockpit. The processor is configured to determine whether primary airspeed is valid or invalid, and, to select a backup airspeed as the airspeed reference that is output to the display when it is determined that the primary airspeed is invalid. The display is configured to display the backup airspeed as the airspeed reference. The backup airspeed is generated based on Global Position System (GPS) information that is received by the aircraft.