Nonuniform Laser Beam Scanning for Flight Path Debris Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insect residue on aircraft surfaces disrupts aerodynamic performance and interferes with sensors, leading to increased drag, fuel consumption, and reduced accuracy of airspeed and angle of attack readings.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam system controlled by a controller to clear objects from the flight path by selecting characteristics based on object type, emitting and moving the laser beam along a path to effectively remove debris such as insects, birds, or drones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a uniform laser beam scan is used, then the scanning process is simple, but the clearing effectiveness varies across different areas of the flight path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying laser beam characteristics (power, pulse duration, spot size) according to the specific requirements of different scanning areas. The controller adjusts beam parameters dynamically based on location, ensuring optimal clearing effectiveness for each region while maintaining operational feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static uniform scan to a dynamic adaptive scan where beam characteristics change continuously during operation. The controller modifies power, pulse width, and spot size in real-time based on the scanning position and detected object types, optimizing performance across the entire flight path.
2Reliability
If laser beam power is increased to clear all objects, then clearing effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes laser beam parameters (power, pulse duration, spot size) dynamically based on object type and distance. Instead of using high power for all cases, the controller selects appropriate parameter combinations for each situation, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective clearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using just enough laser energy to clear each object effectively. The system avoids excessive power application by matching beam intensity to the actual clearing needs of each detected object, optimizing energy utilization.
3Reliability
If the laser beam scans the entire area, then all objects are cleared, but the scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects in the flight path before applying the laser beam. This allows the controller to plan an optimized scanning sequence that clears all objects efficiently, avoiding unnecessary scanning of empty areas and reducing total clearing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by overlapping scan patterns and ensuring no gaps in coverage. The spiral scan pattern from central to outer locations ensures continuous clearing action across the entire area, eliminating the need for re-scanning and optimizing time utilization.
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
Enhances aerodynamic performance by preventing debris from entering the flight path, reducing the need for evasive maneuvers, and maintaining sensor accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to control the laser beam system to move the laser beam with the number of characteristics selected for the object type to scan an area using a path from a central location to an outer location of the area
Data Source
AI summary
A method for clearing a flight path. A number of characteristics is selected for a laser beam based on an object type. The laser beam is emitted with the number of characteristics in a direction relative to a flight path of the aircraft. The laser beam with the number of characteristics selected for the object type is moved to scan an area using a path from a central location to an outer location of the area. A number of scan parameters is adjusted during scanning the area using the path. A number of objects of the object type hit by the laser beam is cleared from the flight path.