Modular Laser Sensor Stimulator for Aircraft Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser detection and characterization systems for aircraft are costly, cumbersome, and rarely accessible for small-scale development and testing, limiting their use for quick-reaction airborne laser sensor stimulation and validation.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, agile laser sensor stimulator that uses multiple co-aligned lasers to illuminate sensors, tracks aircraft and items of interest, and provides real-time tracking data through a user interface, with safety features to ensure operator safety and data recording for effective assessment of laser sensors and warning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional aircraft trackers with custom integrated laser sources and telescopes are used, then laser sensor validation and characterization can be performed, but the system becomes expensive, cumbersome, and inaccessible for small-scale development
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the laser validation function into separate modular components: a handheld laser stimulator unit that can be independently operated and a separate data processing system. This segmentation allows the core laser stimulation capability to be deployed without the full complexity of traditional integrated tracker systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software simulation to create a virtual model of the laser sensor's field of view and characteristics. This software copy allows validation and characterization to be performed computationally, reducing the need for complex physical test setups while maintaining validation reliability.
2Measurement precision
If extensive laboratory and ground characterization is performed, then laser sensor performance can be assessed, but the process becomes time-consuming and lacks real-world validation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary laboratory characterization to establish baseline sensor performance, then uses portable field deployment for rapid real-world validation. This preliminary action in controlled environments followed by quick field testing reduces total testing time while maintaining measurement precision through the use of calibrated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces extensive mechanical field testing with software-based simulation and analysis. The software model processes laser stimulation data to characterize sensor performance, substituting time-consuming manual measurement and adjustment procedures with automated computational analysis that maintains precision while reducing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple co-aligned lasers are used to illuminate sensors, then stimulation capability is improved, but alignment precision and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources into a single handheld stimulator unit with integrated alignment mechanisms. By merging the lasers and their alignment systems into one unified device, the system achieves multi-laser stimulation capability while reducing the alignment precision requirements that would exist if separate laser systems were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary alignment mechanism within the handheld stimulator that automatically coordinates the multiple laser beams. This intermediary alignment system simplifies the manufacturing precision requirements by providing a built-in reference framework that ensures proper laser alignment without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
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
Enables efficient and safe development, testing, and validation of laser sensors with reduced costs and increased accessibility, supporting small-scale activities and in-flight operations while ensuring safety and data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial measurement unit attached to the housing
Implementation Method 2
at least one laser unit removably attached to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A laser sensor stimulator integrates laser units, an inertial measurement unit, a control unit, and ergonomic, modular design with GPS data feeds into a portable system that can be used to test energy sensors and warning devices and includes a user interface facilitates tracking and acquisition of items of interest by the laser sensor stimulator.