Aircraft Landing Gear Steering Angle Detection Using Reference Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the steering angle of an aircraft landing gear are invasive and lack accuracy, particularly in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using image comparison and machine learning algorithms to determine the steering angle by comparing an input image of the landing gear with a database of reference images, utilizing techniques such as image pre-processing, masking, and edge detection to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical sensors are used to determine steering angle, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and intrusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the landing gear at different steering angles and stores them as reference images. Instead of using physical sensors to measure steering angle, the system captures images of the landing gear and compares them against the reference image database to determine the current steering angle, thereby replacing invasive physical measurement with non-invasive optical copying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor system with an optical/image processing system. By using imaging devices to capture pictures of the landing gear and comparing these images against a database of reference images using image processing algorithms, the system substitutes mechanical measurement with optical detection and computational analysis.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed to monitor landing gear status, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging device multi-functional by using it for multiple purposes: determining steering angle, monitoring landing gear position, detecting foreign objects in the landing gear bay, and assessing overall landing gear status. This single imaging device replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple monitoring functions into a single image-based system. By combining steering angle determination, position monitoring, and foreign object detection into one integrated image processing system, the patent reduces the number of separate sensors and devices needed while improving overall system reliability through unified data collection.
3Device complexity
If image processing is used to determine steering angle, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing and storing multiple reference images of the landing gear at known, predetermined steering angles before actual operation. This pre-established database of reference images with associated steering angle information enables accurate real-time determination without complex processing during critical moments, improving both precision and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by focusing image processing on specific key features of the landing gear that change with steering angle, rather than analyzing the entire image. By identifying and comparing only the relevant portions of the images (such as the nose gear position and orientation), the system achieves high measurement precision with simplified processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of determining a steering angle of an aircraft landing gear including: obtaining an input image of the aircraft landing gear; comparing the input image against a plurality of reference images, the plurality of reference images comprising images of the aircraft landing gear at known steering angles; determining a most similar reference image, the most similar reference image comprising the reference image of the plurality of reference images most closely matched to the input image; and determining, based at least in part on the most similar reference image, the steering angle of the aircraft landing gear.