Laser Rangefinder Flight Control Rigging for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft flight control rigging methods rely on visual alignment, exposing personnel to hazardous conditions and are affected by environmental factors and surface jitter, leading to inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
An optical system using laser rangefinders to measure distances to predefined target locations on fixed and control surfaces, with a processor generating plot line graphics to determine alignment within a tolerance, eliminating the need for visual determination and reducing exposure to hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual alignment methods using mechanical jigs are used, then alignment can be achieved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to subjective human judgment and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment jigs and visual inspection with an optical measurement system using laser rangefinders. The system automatically measures distances between control surface targets and fixed reference points, eliminating subjective human judgment. The processor compares measured distances to determine alignment status, providing objective and repeatable measurements that are not affected by lighting conditions or personnel variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from visual assessment of mechanical graduations to precise distance measurements using laser time-of-flight. By measuring the distance from multiple laser rangefinders to their respective targets and comparing these distances to predetermined values, the system achieves high-precision alignment determination through quantitative parameter comparison rather than qualitative visual assessment.
2Ease of operation
If rigging personnel physically attach mechanical jigs using machine lifts, then alignment work can be performed, but safety deteriorates due to exposure to hazardous falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical jig attachment process with an optical measurement system that does not require personnel to physically attach equipment to the aircraft. The laser rangefinders can be positioned on the ground or at safe distances, measuring distances to targets on the control surfaces without requiring personnel to be in hazardous positions. This eliminates fall hazards while maintaining alignment operation capability.
3Illumination intensity
If rigging personnel position themselves close to moving control surfaces, then they can clearly view mechanical jigs, but safety deteriorates due to exposure to hazardous moving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual viewing of mechanical jigs with electronic detection and processing of laser distance measurements. The laser rangefinders automatically detect target positions and the processor determines alignment status without requiring personnel to be in close proximity to moving surfaces. This eliminates exposure to moving surface hazards while maintaining measurement capability through automated optical detection.
4Productivity
If conventional visual alignment methods are used, then alignment process can be completed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to jitter of fixed surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes preliminary action by establishing a fixed reference point on the aircraft structure before beginning measurements. The system measures distances from this predetermined fixed reference to control surface targets, allowing it to compensate for jitter by comparing relative position changes. The processor uses these measurements to determine alignment status, maintaining precision even when surfaces experience vibration or movement during the rigging process.
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 ensures precise alignment of flight control surfaces without visual reliance, reduces personnel risk, and minimizes the impact of surface jitter, enhancing rigging accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of laser rangefinders to measure, for each laser rangefinder of the first set, a distance from the laser rangefinder to a respective target location on a fixed surface of an aircraft
Implementation Method 2
laser rangefinders to measure distances
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for aircraft flight control rigging are described. An example system includes a first set of laser rangefinders to measure, for each laser rangefinder of the first set, a distance from the laser rangefinder to a respective target location on a fixed surface of an aircraft, and a second set of laser rangefinders to measure, for each laser rangefinder of the second set, a distance to a respective target location on a control surface of the aircraft. The example system also includes a processor to (i) receive signals indicative of the distance measured by each rangefinder and (ii) generate a first plot line graphic of the measured distances of each of the rangefinders of the first set to its respective target location and a second plot line graphic of the measured distances of each of the laser rangefinders of the second set to its respective target location.