Laser Angle Measuring Device for TSPI Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate time-space-position information (TSPI) measurements due to errors in inertial movement unit (IMU) alignment and angular velocity calculations, which are exacerbated by deviations in known locations of datums such as IMU center of navigation and GPS antennas, leading to persistent erroneous data.
Innovation Solution
A laser angle measuring device with a concave detection surface and multiple light sensors, combined with a satellite navigation system receiver and multi-axis gravity sense potentiometers, allows for precise angle measurements and location determination, using a laser emitter with selectable ports to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional IMU alignment methods are used with multiple measurement points, then measurement coverage is improved, but setup complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the angle measurement function from the complex IMU alignment process and implements it through a dedicated laser angle measuring device. This separates the angular measurement task from the positional alignment task, allowing each to be optimized independently and reducing overall setup complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser angle measuring device as an intermediary tool between the IMU system and the measurement targets. This intermediary provides precise angular measurements without requiring direct complex alignment procedures, thereby simplifying the overall measurement setup while improving TSPI accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If laser distance measurements are used for AZALEA alignment, then angular velocity calculation accuracy is improved, but measurement setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser angle measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure angles of incidence, determine spatial locations, and provide orientation data. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate measurement devices and procedures, reducing setup complexity while improving angular velocity calculation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary angle measurements using the laser angle measuring device before completing the full IMU alignment process. These preliminary measurements provide critical angular data that simplifies subsequent alignment operations and improves the accuracy of angular velocity calculations without requiring the full complex setup.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points and devices are used for alignment, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time required for setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into independent angular measurements (using the laser angle measuring device) and positional measurements (using IMU and GPS). This segmentation allows the angular measurements to be performed quickly and independently, reducing overall setup time while maintaining high location determination accuracy through the combined data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with optical measurements using a laser angle measuring device. This substitution eliminates the need for complex physical alignment operations and manual positioning adjustments, significantly reducing setup time while improving location determination accuracy through precise angular data collection.
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
Significantly improves the accuracy of TSPI measurements by reducing angular velocity calculation errors and providing precise location data, even in complex aircraft setups, by correlating laser beam angles with orientation data from gravity sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a concave detection surface with a plurality of light sensors
Implementation Method 2
a laser emitter with a plurality of selectable emitter ports
Implementation Method 3
a free-space location mechanism such as a satellite navigation system receiver
Implementation Method 4
one or more multi-axis gravity sense potentiometers
Data Source
AI summary
A laser angle measuring device has a concave detection surface with a plurality of light sensors and an opaque light shield. One or more multi-axis gravity sense potentiometers determine the orientation of the laser angle measuring device, and a GPS receiver determines the location of the laser angle measuring device. The laser angle measuring device is part of a system including one or more laser emitters, each with one or more selectable laser sources. Each laser emitter may also include location and orientation measuring mechanisms.