Modular LiDAR Air-Data Sensing for Multi-Directional Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-data systems in avionic vehicles, such as pitot-probes and LiDAR optical systems, suffer from failures, size constraints, and inaccuracies, particularly at low speeds and in multi-directional data gathering, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular LiDAR optical air-data system with remotely positioned optical heads and multiple modules, each equipped with emitters and receivers, capable of emitting and receiving scattered light beams to determine air-data, including wind gust alleviation features, allowing for flexible and efficient multi-directional data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a LiDAR optical air-data system is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent modules, each capable of measuring air-data in a specific direction. Each module contains its own emitter and receiver, allowing the system to gather multi-directional data without requiring a single large complex system. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual component while maintaining high measurement precision through multiple measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed to be multi-functional, capable of measuring various air-data parameters (airspeed, angle of attack, side slip) simultaneously. The universal design allows the same module structure to be used in different configurations and orientations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LiDAR optical systems are installed to gather air-data from different directions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple segmented modules instead of complete separate LiDAR systems. Each module is a simplified unit with emitter and receiver that can be independently positioned to face different directions. This segmentation provides multi-directional adaptability while keeping each unit simple and avoiding the complexity of multiple full-scale systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple modules share common processing electronics and control systems, merging their functions into a unified data processing architecture. The modules are combined into a coordinated system where individual simple units work together to provide comprehensive multi-directional air-data measurement, reducing overall complexity compared to independent 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 system provides accurate and reliable air-data with reduced size and maintenance complexity, enhancing vehicle safety and fuel efficiency by mitigating wind gust effects.
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
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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.