Laser Transceiver Mounting on Aircraft Fuselage Centerline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerospace systems face challenges in mounting LIDAR laser transceivers on aircraft, including damage risks and measurement errors due to external obstacles, and require additional fabrication and wiring, which complicates the integration process, especially when retrofitting on older aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A method for mounting LIDAR laser transceivers involves determining the location of existing air data probes, removing or fabricating holes to align the transceiver, connecting it to aircraft electronics, and attaching it to the aircraft, allowing for efficient measurement of air data parameters without additional wiring or new holes, and optionally using flush mounting to reduce drag and damage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LIDAR laser transceiver is mounted on existing older aircraft, then the aircraft can perform aerial mapping and scanning applications, but additional fabrication of holes and wiring is required which complicates the integration process
Solution Approach 1:
The laser transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions including aerial mapping, scanning 3D objects, and measuring air data parameters such as angle of airflow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, simplifying the overall integration process while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components including the laser transceiver unit, mounting bracket, and alignment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for independent installation and adjustment of each component, reducing integration complexity on existing aircraft structures.
2Measurement precision
If conventional probes are used to measure air data parameters, then measurements can be obtained, but there is risk of damage to the vanes and errors due to external obstacles hitting the protruding probes
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover or shroud is introduced as an intermediary element that encloses the laser transceiver and measurement components. This protective structure shields the sensitive equipment from external obstacles such as birds and debris while allowing laser beams to pass through designated apertures, thereby preventing damage and measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent or translucent protective film or shell is used to enclose the laser transceiver components. This thin protective layer allows laser beams to pass through while providing protection against external obstacles, maintaining measurement precision without exposing the equipment to damage risks.
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
This method enables the efficient and damage-resistant integration of LIDAR laser transceivers on aircraft, reducing the risk of measurement errors and simplifying the retrofit process by utilizing existing probe locations and minimizing structural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
an aircraft includes a laser transceiver configured to transmit one or more laser light beams
Implementation Method 2
the laser transceiver is configured to measure at least one air data parameter
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft is provided. The aircraft comprises: a fuselage; and a laser transceiver configured to transmit one or more laser light beams, wherein the laser transceiver is mounted to the aircraft at a waterline location along the center of the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the center is between the top and bottom of the fuselage, and wherein the laser transceiver is configured to measure at least one air data parameter.