Aircraft Lidar Window Self-Deicing via Laser Backscatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice formation on laser sensor windows in aircraft interferes with the accuracy of measurements by causing unwanted backscatter and absorption of laser beams, which is not effectively addressed by current deicing technologies that add complex structures that interfere with laser sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a deicing laser beam with specific properties, such as eye-safe infrared light, is transmitted through the laser sensor window to remove ice, allowing simultaneous operation of the laser sensor system for detecting parameters and deicing, without the need for complex window structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If current deicing technologies are used on laser sensor windows, then ice removal is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unwanted backscatter and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of backscatter from ice into a useful signal by using the same backscatter mechanism to detect and characterize the ice itself. The lidar system measures the backscatter from ice on the window and uses this information to control deicing, transforming the interference into a diagnostic tool that enables precise ice detection and eliminates the need for separate sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lidar system performs self-diagnosis by using its own transmitted laser beam to detect ice formation on its own window. The system monitors the backscatter signal from the window surface and automatically determines when deicing is needed, enabling the system to serve its own deicing needs without external intervention or additional complex sensing infrastructure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex window structures are added for deicing, then ice removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitted laser beam serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary sensing signal for atmospheric measurement and simultaneously serves as the deicing mechanism through its thermal energy. The single laser source performs both measurement and ice removal functions, eliminating the need for separate deicing hardware and complex window structures with embedded heating elements or mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the deicing function from complex mechanical or thermal window structures and implements it through the optical properties of the laser beam itself. By using the laser's inherent energy to melt ice directly on the window surface, the system removes the need for complex integrated window structures while maintaining effective ice removal capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If deicing laser beam is transmitted continuously, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the backscatter signal from the window and uses this feedback to determine when ice is present and when deicing is needed. The controller adjusts the deicing beam transmission based on real-time ice detection, transmitting the deicing laser only when ice is detected and stopping when the window is clear, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining effective ice removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous deicing beam transmission, the system uses periodic monitoring of the backscatter signal and activates the deicing beam only during periods when ice is detected. This pulsed or intermittent operation mode maintains ice removal effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 solution effectively reduces ice-related issues on laser sensor windows, enhancing measurement accuracy by eliminating backscatter and allowing continuous operation of the laser sensor system, using deicing laser beams that can be tailored to melt or vaporize ice without interfering with the sensor beams.
Implementation Method 1
A deicing laser beam is transmitted from a laser beam generator in the aerospace vehicle into the laser sensor window. The deicing laser beam has properties that remove ice from the laser sensor window.
Implementation Method 2
The deicing laser beam has properties that remove ice from the laser sensor window
Implementation Method 3
a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor can be used to measure the speed of an aircraft. With a lidar sensor, a laser beam is emitted into the air.
Implementation Method 4
The laser beam encounters aerosols in the air that reflect or 'backscatter' light toward the aircraft. The backscatter light generated in response to emitting the laser beam is detected.
Implementation Method 5
The controller is configured to determine whether ice is present on the laser sensor window using the backscatter light generated in response to transmitting the deicing laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method for deicing in a laser sensor window in an aerospace vehicle. A deicing laser beam is transmitted from a laser beam generator in the aerospace vehicle into the laser sensor window in the aerospace vehicle. The deicing laser beam has properties that remove ice from the laser sensor window. A sensor laser beam is transmitted from the laser beam generator through the laser sensor window.