LIDAR Ice Detection on Aircraft Aerodynamic Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ice detection systems on aircraft are inadequate for accurately determining ice accumulation and shedding on aerodynamic surfaces, leading to conservative flight settings and reduced maneuverability, especially in icing conditions, and are not suitable for rotorcraft due to implementation challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of LIDAR devices with transmitters and receivers that scan aerodynamic surfaces with laser pulses, processing data to detect temporal changes in surface coordinates and deformations, allowing for precise detection of ice accumulation and shedding, and providing real-time data for avionics and ice protection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ice detectors (ultrasound, magnetorestrictive, or probe-style) are used, then ice detection capability is provided, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient to accurately detect ice accumulation and shedding on aerodynamic surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical probe-style ice detectors with an optical LIDAR system that uses laser pulses to measure surface coordinates. This substitution eliminates the physical contact and mechanical complexity of conventional detectors while achieving superior measurement precision through optical ranging technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from point-based detection (probes at single locations) to surface-based detection by measuring coordinates across the entire aerodynamic surface. This dimensional expansion from 0D/1D to 2D/3D measurement enables comprehensive ice detection and accurate identification of accumulation and shedding patterns.
2Reliability
If conservative stall protection settings are maintained throughout the flight, then safety is ensured, but flight maneuverability and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of stall protection settings based on real-time ice detection data. When the LIDAR system detects that ice has been shed or melted from the aerodynamic surface, the system automatically transitions from conservative settings to normal flight settings, optimizing maneuverability while maintaining safety when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention establishes a feedback loop where LIDAR continuously monitors the aerodynamic surface for ice conditions, and the flight control system adjusts stall protection boundaries based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables adaptive management of flight parameters according to actual ice accumulation and shedding states.
3Measurement precision
If LIDAR devices are used to scan aerodynamic surfaces, then measurement precision for ice detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a LIDAR system that serves multiple functions: it measures surface coordinates for ice detection, monitors aerodynamic surface geometry, and provides data for both ice accumulation and shedding detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors while achieving comprehensive monitoring capability.
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 accurate detection of ice presence and absence, allowing for safer and more efficient flight operations by adjusting stall protection settings and improving aircraft maneuverability, and expanding icing flight envelopes for rotorcraft.
Implementation Method 1
repetitively scan an aerodynamic surface on the aircraft using laser pulses, forming scattered laser pulses scattered from the aerodynamic surface
Implementation Method 2
one or more LIDAR devices on an aircraft, wherein each of the LIDAR devices includes a transmitter and a receiver
Implementation Method 3
each of the receivers receive the scattered laser pulses and output data comprising timing of the scattered laser pulses received in the receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
A Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) based system detecting and quantifying ice accretions and shedding on an aircraft. This system can be used to detect ice, operate ice protection systems, and satisfy aircraft icing certification requirements. This system can also be used to determine the shape, thickness, type, and location of the ice accretions.