Ground-Sensing Ball Surface Integrity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terramechanics measurement systems are not lightweight or portable, making them unsuitable for deployment in aircraft, which poses a risk for landing on unknown terrain, especially under reduced visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight payload device, such as a ground-sensing ball (GSB), equipped with an accelerometer, microcontroller, and communication circuit, measures impact dynamics to assess surface integrity by comparing acceleration changes with stored values, classifying surfaces as hard, soft, or liquid, and transmitting this information to an aircraft for safe landing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional terramechanics measurement systems are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device weight and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex conventional terramechanics systems. By using a simple accelerometer to measure impact dynamics during a controlled drop, the system eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining measurement capability. The accelerometer measures acceleration changes during impact, and a microcontroller processes this data to determine surface integrity, achieving accurate measurements with minimal hardware weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an accelerometer-based electronic sensing system. Instead of using traditional mechanical terramechanics equipment to assess surface properties, the system uses an accelerometer to capture impact dynamics and a microcontroller to analyze the acceleration data, thereby determining surface integrity. This substitution dramatically reduces device weight while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight portable devices are used, then device portability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lightweight device performs self-service by using its own impact with the surface as the measurement mechanism. The accelerometer mounted on the device measures the acceleration changes during the device's natural drop and impact, eliminating the need for external measurement equipment. The microcontroller then processes this self-generated data to determine surface integrity, achieving accurate measurements with a minimalistic device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from complex mechanical force measurements to simple acceleration measurements. By focusing on measuring acceleration changes during impact rather than using complex terramechanics parameters, the system achieves accurate surface integrity assessment with a lightweight accelerometer-based device, avoiding the need for heavy mechanical measurement equipment.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive surface analysis is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical measurement element (acceleration) from complex surface analysis systems. Instead of using multiple sensors to measure various physical parameters, the system uses a single accelerometer to capture impact dynamics. The microcontroller then processes this single parameter stream to classify surfaces as hard, soft, or liquid, achieving comprehensive surface analysis with minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer serves multiple functions within the simple device architecture. It measures impact acceleration, provides timing information for the impact event, and enables surface classification across different surface types (hard, soft, liquid). This multi-functionality allows the device to perform comprehensive surface analysis without requiring separate specialized sensors for each measurement type, thereby maintaining low device complexity.
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
The GSB system provides a cost-effective and efficient means to determine surface integrity, enabling safe landing of aircraft on unknown terrain, even in low-light or obscured environments, by classifying surfaces quickly and accurately, thus reducing the risk of landing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer to measure a change in acceleration of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A device to determine integrity of a surface includes an exterior housing to contain and protect a plurality of components. The components include an accelerometer to measure a change in acceleration of the device, a microcontroller to monitor measurement data from the accelerometer and determine the integrity of the surface based on the measurement data. A communication circuit transmits or displays information regarding the integrity of the surface from microcontroller. A battery powers the plurality of components.