Vertical Landing Pad Localization Using Radar Reflective Markers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating aircraft with respect to a landing pad are costly and do not allow for the detection of potential obstacles on the landing pad during the takeoff and are not necessarily adapted to vertical landing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a plurality of reflective elements arranged according to a spatial arrangement, which are costly and do not allow for the detection of potential obstacles on the landing pad during the takeoff and are not necessarily adapted to vertical landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ILS technology is used for aircraft localization, then localization precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive ILS transmitting antennas with simple, inexpensive reflective elements (corner reflectors or flat plates) that can be easily installed on the landing pad. These passive reflective elements cost a fraction of active ILS equipment while providing sufficient localization precision for vertical landing aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the aircraft's own radar system to send signals that are reflected back by the landing pad markers. Instead of requiring a separate localization system, the aircraft copies and reuses its existing radar capability, eliminating the need for additional complex ground-based transmitting equipment.
2Measurement precision
If ILS technology is deployed for localization, then localization precision is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective elements are simple passive structures that can be manufactured at very low cost compared to ILS transmitting antennas. Each corner reflector or flat plate marker costs minimal materials and labor, making the overall system economically viable for widespread deployment at various vertiport locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the aircraft's existing radar equipment to perform localization, eliminating the need for separate expensive localization transmitters. The aircraft essentially services its own localization needs by transmitting radar signals and processing the reflected returns from the landing pad markers.
3Measurement precision
If ILS technology is used, then localization precision is improved, but the system cannot detect obstacles on the landing pad
Solution Approach 1:
The radar-based reflective element system serves multiple functions: it provides precise localization of the aircraft on the landing pad, detects obstacles on the landing pad surface, and can potentially identify the type of landing pad. A single system configuration achieves what would otherwise require separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system analyzes the reflected radar signals not only for position determination but also for obstacle detection by examining variations in reflection patterns. When obstacles are present on the landing pad, they alter the expected reflection characteristics, providing feedback that alerts the aircraft to potential hazards before landing.
4Measurement precision
If ILS technology is deployed, then localization precision is improved, but it is not adapted to vertical landing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system is specifically designed with reflective elements arranged in patterns optimized for vertical landing approaches, rather than conventional horizontal landing ILS configurations. The spatial arrangement and reflection characteristics are tailored to the unique flight paths and speed profiles of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active transmitting antennas that project signals outward as in conventional ILS, this system uses passive reflective elements that return signals to the aircraft. This inverted approach better suits vertical landing where the aircraft hovers and descends vertically, requiring localization signals from below rather than from the front.
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 method involves a plurality of reflective elements arranged according to a spatial arrangement, which are costly and do not allow for the detection of potential obstacles on the landing pad during the takeoff and are not necessarily adapted to vertical landing.
Implementation Method 1
emission of a radio signal from the aircraft to the landing pad, reception of a signal reflected by the landing pad in response to the emitted radio signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating an aircraft with respect to a landing pad including reflective elements, the method including reception of a reflected signal including a plurality of measurement points presenting a characteristic magnitude, filtering of the plurality of measurement points according to a criterion, determination of a set of filtered measurement points respecting a condition of number and/or relative positioning of the measurement points, selection of a set among the determined sets by minimizing a position offset between the real measurement points and the expected measurement points, and localization of the aircraft based on the positions of the measurement points of the selected set.