Modular LiDAR Air-Data System for Compact Avionics Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-data systems, such as pitot-probes and LiDAR optical systems, suffer from reliability issues and size constraints, leading to inaccurate data and installation challenges in avionic vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A modular LiDAR optical air-data system with remotely positioned modules and an optical head, utilizing emitters and receivers to gather air-data from multiple atmospheric areas, and a controller to determine air-data based on scattered light beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a LiDAR optical air-data system is used to improve reliability and accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases making it difficult to mount on avionic vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent modules, each capable of gathering air-data from different directions. Each module contains its own emitter and receiver, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive coverage while keeping individual component sizes manageable for avionic vehicle mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple modules are integrated with a central optical head that contains the laser and detector. This merging allows the system to combine the measurement capabilities of multiple modules while sharing common processing resources, reducing overall system volume compared to having separate complete LiDAR systems for each measurement direction.
2Measurement precision
If multiple LiDAR optical systems are installed to gather air-data from different directions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each module is designed as a universal unit that can be positioned at different locations and orientations on the vehicle. The modules perform the same function (emitting and receiving light beams for air-data measurement) but can be configured to monitor different atmospheric areas, providing multi-directional capability through standardized components rather than custom systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the complex optical processing functions into a dedicated optical head while the modules remain relatively simple emitter-receiver units. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual module and simplifies installation, as the modules can be independently mounted and then connected to the centralized optical processing system.
3Volume of moving object
If pitot-probes are used to gather air-data, then the system size is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to blockages and systematic biases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical pitot-probe approach with an optical LiDAR-based measurement system. Instead of using physical probes that are susceptible to ice blockages and mechanical failures, the system uses light beams to measure atmospheric properties, eliminating the mechanical components that cause reliability issues while maintaining a compact form factor through modular design.
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
Provides accurate and reliable air-data with flexible installation options, reducing system size and enhancing vehicle performance by mitigating wind gusts and improving fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The optical head includes a laser, a detector, and a controller. The laser is coupled with the emitter of each module. The laser is configured to generate the generated light beams.
Implementation Method 2
The receiver is configured to receive scattered light beams. The scattered light beams are caused by the emitted generate light beams being scattered off of particles in the atmosphere.
Implementation Method 3
The detector is coupled with the receiver of each module. The detector is configured to at least one of detect and process the scattered light beams.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular air-data system is provided that includes a plurality of modules and an optical head. Each module includes an emitter and a receiver. The emitter is configured to emit generated light beams. The receiver is configured to receive scattered light beams caused by the emitted generate light beams being scattered off of particles in the atmosphere. The optical head is remotely located from the plurality of modules. The optical head includes a laser, a detector, and a controller. The laser is configured to generate the generated light beams. The detector is configured to at least one of detect and process the scattered light beams. The controller is in communication with at least one of the laser and the detector. The controller is configured to determine air-data based on the generated light beams and the scattered light beams detected and processed by the detector.