Aircraft LIDAR Ice Detection via Surface Shape Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-ice systems for aircraft are complex and expensive, and existing ice detectors cannot accurately measure the severity of ice accumulation on aerodynamic surfaces, leading to insufficient ice removal.
Innovation Solution
A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system is used to measure ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces by sweeping a LIDAR beam across aerodynamic surfaces, determining the shape and detecting ice formation through time-of-flight measurements, and activating ice protection measures when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-ice systems are used, then ice protection capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal anti-ice systems with an optical LIDAR detection system. The LIDAR system uses laser beams to detect ice accumulation optically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical de-icing mechanisms or thermal heating systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ice protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system creates an optical copy or measurement of the aerodynamic surface by scanning laser beams across it. This optical copying approach allows for non-contact detection of ice accumulation, avoiding the need for physical contact with complex sensor arrays that would increase system complexity
2Reliability
If conventional ice detectors are used, then ice presence is detected, but measurement precision of ice severity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system divides the aerodynamic surface into multiple scan lines and measurement points. By segmenting the detection area into a grid of horizontal and vertical scan lines, the system achieves precise localization and measurement of ice accumulation at different positions, enabling accurate assessment of ice severity across the entire surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based detection to two-dimensional surface scanning by introducing multiple scan lines in horizontal and vertical dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows the system to measure ice accumulation across the entire aerodynamic surface area, providing comprehensive precision measurement of ice severity rather than limited point detection
3Area of stationary object
If more comprehensive ice detection is implemented, then ice detection coverage increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system performs multiple functions using a single integrated platform: it detects ice presence, measures ice accumulation severity, maps the aerodynamic surface geometry, and provides spatial localization of ice. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive detection coverage without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one system accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate detection systems
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 LIDAR system provides comprehensive and accurate detection of ice accumulation, enabling effective ice removal from multiple locations on aircraft surfaces, improving safety and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter transmits a LIDAR beam to the aerodynamic surface, the receiver detects the LIDAR beam after the LIDAR beam has reflected off the aerodynamic surface
Implementation Method 2
the LIDAR system measures the time of flight of the LIDAR beam between the transmitter and the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system to detect ice accumulation on ice prone surfaces of an aircraft. The method and system sweeps a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) beam across ice prone surfaces to measure the shape of the ice prone surfaces. The change in shape of the ice prone surfaces indicates the presence of ice on the ice prone surface.