Modular DAA Sensor Pod for VTOL Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft face challenges in integrating detect and avoid sensors like radars and cameras without interference from structural components and requiring recalibration upon sensor relocation or reuse.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage pod with integrated DAA sensors that can be removed and reconfigured to maintain initial calibration, allowing for desired fields of view without interference and facilitating reuse without recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are integrated into the aircraft structure, then detect and avoid capabilities are improved, but structural components interfere with sensor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is divided into modular components with sensors housed in separate pods or modules that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows sensors to be isolated from structural interference while maintaining integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor isolation structures or waveguide intermediaries are introduced between the sensor elements and the aircraft structure to prevent structural components from blocking or interfering with sensor fields while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are relocated or reused, then adaptability is improved, but recalibration is required
Solution Approach 1:
Reference markers, alignment features, or pre-calibrated mounting interfaces are established in advance on the aircraft structure. When sensors are relocated or reused, these pre-established references enable rapid repositioning and automatic recalibration without requiring complex realignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Digital twins or virtual models of the sensor positions and calibration parameters are maintained. When physical sensors are relocated, the digital model is updated accordingly, allowing the system to compensate for position changes through software calibration rather than physical realignment.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are made removable for reuse, then ease of operation is improved, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into modular pods or assemblies that can be independently removed and reinstalled. Each module contains the sensor elements and their immediate support structures, simplifying handling while maintaining overall system functionality through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized mounting interfaces, electrical connectors, and alignment features are designed to be universal across different sensor types and aircraft configurations. This universality allows different sensor modules to be interchangeably mounted using the same integration mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite the removability feature.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an aircraft includes first and second wings. The aircraft also includes a plurality of propulsion assemblies, the plurality of propulsion assemblies including a propulsion assembly connected to each end of each of the first and second wings. The aircraft also includes first and second vertical supports disposed between the first and second wings. The aircraft also includes a storage pod disposed between the first and second vertical supports. The storage pod includes a nose portion that extends forward of the plurality of propulsion assemblies. The nose portion includes at least one radar and at least one camera. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.