Modular Airborne Sensor Array Linkage Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airborne arrays of geophysical sensors face challenges in adapting to different applications and maintaining measurement quality due to varying sensor types and geometric configurations, which are often compromised during towing by aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A modular kit and structure for assembling an airborne unitary structure of geophysical sensors, featuring interchangeable sensor modules and a linkage assembly that can be configured in multiple settings to maintain precise distances and numbers of sensors, ensuring consistent measurement quality across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed configuration of sensor array is used, then measurement quality is maintained, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple sensor modules that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each module can be selectively assembled into different configurations using the linkage assembly, allowing the system to adapt to various applications while maintaining measurement quality through precise geometric arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly enables dynamic reconfiguration of the sensor array by allowing sensors to be positioned at different distances and orientations. This dynamic adaptability permits the same hardware to serve multiple applications while maintaining the geometric precision required for high-quality measurements.
2Area of stationary object
If sensor modules are spaced far apart, then coverage area is increased, but structural stability during towing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor modules are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration rather than a simple linear array. This spatial distribution increases the effective coverage area while the vertical and lateral spacing provides structural stability during towing by distributing aerodynamic loads across multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly is designed with counterbalancing structural elements that compensate for the forces acting on widely spaced sensor modules during towing. This maintains structural stability even when sensors are positioned far apart to maximize coverage area.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor modules are connected in a rigid array, then measurement accuracy is improved, but complexity of assembly and configuration is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly serves multiple functions: it provides rigid mechanical connection for structural stability, enables precise positioning for measurement accuracy, and allows reconfigurable assembly for different applications. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly incorporates adjustable parameters such as connection angles, distances, and orientations that can be modified to optimize measurement accuracy for different applications. This parametric flexibility allows the rigid array to maintain high measurement precision while adapting to various configuration requirements without increasing fundamental system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an airborne unitary structure, to a kit and to a method for assembling and scaling such an airborne unitary structure. The unitary structure is configured to be towed by an aircraft such as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The kit comprises at least two sensor modules and a linkage assembly. The two sensor modules are each configured to house at least one geophysical sensor. The linkage assembly is configured to rigidly connect the at least two sensor modules with one another and spaced apart from one another and thus securing their exact position relative to one another to allow exact relative measurements. To adapt the structure to different measurement tasks, the linkage assembly is configured to be assembled in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration differs from the second configuration in at least one of a distance between the at least two sensor modules and the number of sensor modules in the array. The structure may be particularly used for gradient measurements, such as using magnetometers as geophysical sensors. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the sensor modules and/or the linkage assembly themselves are of modular structure.