Laser Diode Array for Aircraft Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft collisions during ground operations are frequent and costly due to the difficulty in observing distant objects such as wingtips and engines, which are outside the pilot's field of view, leading to potential damage and significant repair costs.
Innovation Solution
A system using an array of independently-controllable laser diode bars to project a linear beam of light onto distant objects, allowing for the determination of object location and range through triangulation, with the beam's divergence optimized to provide a focused, long elliptical illumination pattern that can be detected by a camera, minimizing power consumption and avoiding distraction to pilots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single high-power laser source is used to illuminate distant objects, then the illumination intensity is sufficient, but the beam divergence becomes unmanageable and the illumination pattern loses precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high-power laser source into multiple lower-power laser diode bars arranged in an array. Each bar emits a controlled beam that collectively forms a linear illumination pattern. This segmentation allows each individual bar to maintain precise beam control while the aggregate provides sufficient illumination intensity for distant objects.
2Length of moving object
If the laser beam is collimated to maintain a narrow width, then the beam can travel long distances, but the illumination area becomes too small to effectively mark distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges laser diode bars in a linear array configuration where multiple bars emit beams that overlap in one dimension (perpendicular to the array axis) while maintaining collimation in the other dimension (parallel to the array axis). This creates an elongated linear illumination pattern that extends far distances while providing sufficient illumination area through the combined effect of multiple bars.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple laser diode bars are used to create a linear illumination pattern, then the illumination area increases, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser diode bars into a single integrated array structure that functions as one unified illumination system. The bars are positioned and oriented to emit overlapping beams that collectively form a continuous linear pattern, simplifying control compared to managing separate illumination sources while still providing extended illumination area.
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 alerts pilots to potential collisions by providing range and location information of distant objects, reducing the risk of damage and associated costs by enhancing visibility of critical areas around the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the independently-controllable laser diode bars is configured to emit a beam of light in an emission direction orthogonal to the common axis
Implementation Method 2
The emitted beam of light diverges about the emission direction at a first divergence angle in the plane including the emission direction and a fast-axis direction parallel to the common axis. The emitted beam of light diverges about the emission direction at a second divergence angle in the plane including the emission direction and a slow-axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to an array of independently-controllable laser diode bars configured to scan a linearly-structured beam of light upon a scene. Each of the independently-controllable laser diode bars is distributed along a common axis. Each of the independently-controllable laser diode bars is configured to emit a beam of light in an emission direction orthogonal to the common axis. Each of the independently-controllable laser diode bars can be energized in a sequence, thereby scanning the scene in the direction of the common axis.