Landing Strobe with Impact-Actuated Vane for Degraded Visual Landing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In conditions of visually degraded landing zones due to cloud cover, fog, or dust and sediment, existing systems face challenges in accurately detecting the landing site for aircraft, as visual detection by personnel or equipment is impaired, necessitating improved methods for guiding aircraft to a safe landing.
Innovation Solution
A landing strobe system with moveable vanes and an optical emitter that emits an adjustable radiation pattern, which extends radially around a central axis, is deployed from an aircraft to enhance visibility, featuring a vane configuration that adjusts upon impact to ensure the central axis remains vertical and perpendicular to the landing surface, and an optical detection system on the aircraft to identify the strobe's unique signature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual detection methods are used to identify landing zones, then personnel or equipment can detect the landing site, but detection accuracy deteriorates in visually degraded conditions such as cloud cover, fog, or dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical emitters that emit light in specific wavelengths (including invisible wavelengths) to create a detectable signature. The emitter changes the optical properties of the landing zone by emitting light that can be detected by the overhead aircraft's detection equipment, effectively using color/wavelength changes to overcome visual degradation from environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical emission system between the landing zone and the detection equipment. The optical emitter acts as a mediator that converts the landing zone into a detectable target by emitting light signals that can penetrate or be detected through visually degraded conditions, enabling the aircraft to identify the landing zone without direct visual contact
2Illumination intensity
If the optical emitter emits light in all directions, then the radiation pattern is maximized for detection, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the optical emission in specific directional patterns rather than uniformly in all directions. The emitter is configured to concentrate light output toward the overhead aircraft's detection equipment, creating a focused radiation pattern that maximizes detection capability while minimizing energy consumption in directions where detection is not needed
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 system effectively enhances the ability to perceive light emissions from landing strobes, even in turbid conditions, allowing for precise landing zone identification and safe aircraft descent by emitting a unique optical signature that can be detected by enhanced imaging systems on the aircraft, minimizing risks associated with degraded visual conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The landing strobe can also comprise an optical emitter configured to emit an adjustable radiation pattern extending radially around a central axis
Implementation Method 2
The actuator can be configured to move the vane from a first position to a second position upon impact of the landing strobe
Data Source
AI summary
A landing strobe is provided that comprises a vane extending from the landing strobe, and an actuator coupled to the vane. The actuator can be configured to move the vane from a first position to a second position upon impact of the landing strobe. The landing strobe can also comprise an optical emitter configured to emit an adjustable radiation pattern extending radially around a central axis that is substantially vertical when the van is moved to the second position. A landing strobe system is also provided and comprises a landing strobe configured to be released from an aircraft arranged over a landing zone. The vane is configured to extend at an upward angle outward from the landing strobe when released from the aircraft. The vane is further configured to extend at a downward angle outward from the landing strobe when the landing strobe contacts the landing zone.