Optical Air Data System Using Multi-Beam LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air data systems, such as Pitot-static systems, face limitations in accuracy and reliability due to low sensitivity at low velocities, high velocities, and in adverse weather conditions, and cannot directly measure vertical and lateral airspeeds, while optical air data systems relying solely on aerosol scattering are unreliable due to varying aerosol distributions and inability to measure air temperature and pressure.
Innovation Solution
An optical air data system utilizing a multi-beam LIDAR module that emits and detects laser beams to determine air data parameters, including airspeed, temperature, and pressure, using both aerosol and molecular scattering, providing redundant measurements and no common failure modes with conventional systems, and is capable of operation at all altitudes and in inclement weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional Pitot-static systems are used, then air speed can be determined based on air pressure measurements, but the system suffers from low sensitivity at low velocities and high velocities, and cannot directly measure vertical and lateral airspeeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Pitot-static system with an optical LIDAR-based system. The LIDAR module uses laser beams and detects backscattered light to measure air particle velocities directly, eliminating the need for pressure transducers and mechanical sensing components. This substitution enables accurate measurements across all velocity ranges and multiple directions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air particles (aerosols and molecules) as intermediaries between the laser beams and the measurement system. The LIDAR system measures the Doppler shift of backscattered light from these air particles to determine air velocity, providing a indirect but accurate measurement method that works across all flight conditions.
2Measurement precision
If optical air data systems relying solely on aerosol scattering are used, then air speed can be measured, but the system is unreliable due to varying aerosol distributions and cannot measure air temperature and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LIDAR system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: measuring air speed through Doppler shift, determining air temperature via Rayleigh scattering intensity, and inferring air pressure through density calculations. This multi-functionality eliminates reliance on aerosol scattering alone and provides reliable measurements under all atmospheric conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different physical parameters of light interaction with air molecules and aerosols. By analyzing Doppler frequency shift, scattering intensity, and polarization characteristics of backscattered light, the system extracts multiple air data parameters (velocity, temperature, pressure) simultaneously, making measurements reliable regardless of aerosol distribution variations.
3Reliability
If multi-beam LIDAR module is used to determine air data parameters, then reliable measurements including temperature and pressure can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single LIDAR module. The same laser beams and detectors used for velocity measurement also provide temperature and pressure data through analysis of backscattered light characteristics. This consolidation reduces the need for separate sensors and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced measurement capabilities.
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 optical air data system provides reliable and accurate air data parameters, including full vector velocity, atmospheric temperature, and pressure, in all weather conditions and at all altitudes, enhancing aircraft stability and safety by reducing sensor failures and icing issues.
Implementation Method 1
The LIDAR module is configured to emit at least three laser beams, not all located in a common plane, and perform LIDAR measurements of a backscattered component of each of the laser beams
Implementation Method 2
perform LIDAR measurements of a backscattered component of each of the laser beams
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a multi-beam LIDAR module that emits and detects laser beams to determine air data parameters, including airspeed, temperature, and pressure, using both aerosol and molecular scattering
Implementation Method 4
using both aerosol and molecular scattering
Data Source
AI summary
An optical air data system for an air vehicle includes a LIDAR module and a data processing module. The LIDAR module is configured to emit at least three laser beams, not all located in a common plane, and perform LIDAR measurements of a backscattered component of each of the laser beams. The data processing module includes a processor and machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, processes the LIDAR measurements to determine at least one optically-based air data parameter. The overlap between the laser beams and one or more fields of view of the LIDAR module may be within two meters from the LIDAR module to determine the at least one optically-based air data parameter at short range from the air vehicle.