Modular Tower Stand Assembly for Rapid Deployable Landing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable instrument landing systems (ILSs) are complex, difficult to transport, and require extensive installation time, necessitating multiple deliveries and a significant amount of manpower for setup at remote airfields.
Innovation Solution
A transportable ground tower system that can be assembled quickly, consisting of modular tower sections and a stand, allowing for easier setup and takedown, and can be stowed on a single pallet for efficient transportation, reducing the need for multiple vehicles and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing deployable ILSs are used, then complete ATC solution functions are provided, but the system becomes complex and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The ground tower is divided into multiple modular sections (base section, intermediate sections, top section) that can be assembled in a telescoping configuration. Each section contains integrated ATC equipment, allowing the system to provide complete ATC functionality while maintaining a compact, transportable form factor when collapsed.
2Reliability
If existing deployable ILSs are used, then precision approach guidance is provided, but multiple large, heavy payloads are required for delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The tower sections are designed to nest within each other in a telescoping configuration, with upper sections stored inside lower sections. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple heavy components into a single compact unit that can be transported as one payload rather than multiple separate payloads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing deployable ILSs are used, then multiple essential functions are provided, but installation time increases to at least 18 man-hours
Solution Approach 1:
ATC equipment and components are pre-integrated into the tower sections during manufacturing, with connection interfaces prepared in advance. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and wiring, reducing installation time from 18+ man-hours to a significantly shorter deployment process.
4Length of stationary object
If the tower is raised to operational orientation, then vertical extension is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of assembling the tower in its vertical operational position, the invention inverts the assembly sequence by collapsing the tower into a horizontal configuration on the ground. Technicians can easily access and connect components in this horizontal position, then the entire assembled structure is raised to vertical orientation as a complete unit.
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 enables rapid deployment and setup of an aircraft landing system in less than four man-hours, facilitating quicker air traffic control and landing solutions in remote or emergency environments, while being compact and lightweight enough for transport by most cargo aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
a lower tower section configured to be positioned at the ground surface, which has a pivot configured to be pivotally secured to a stationary ground base
Implementation Method 2
The stand may be configured to support at least an end of the assembled tower structure in an assembly orientation, wherein in the assembly orientation, the tower structure is generally horizontal, the lower tower section is secured to the stationary ground base, and the end of the assembled tower structure is supported above the ground surface by the stand
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable ground tower for an aircraft landing system, and methods of assembling and raising the same, are disclosed. The ground tower may include at least lower and upper tower sections configured to be assembled to form a ground tower structure extending substantially vertically from a ground surface in an operational orientation. The lower tower section may have a pivot configured to be pivotally secured to a stationary ground base. The ground tower may also include a stand pivotably secured to one of the plurality of tower sections, which is configured to support an end of the assembled tower structure in an assembly orientation to permit assembly of one or more tower devices to the tower structure.