Continuous-Wave Radar Obstacle Detection for Aircraft Taxiing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current obstacle detection systems for aircraft taxiing, such as cameras, LIDAR, acoustic sensors, and ultra-wideband radars, are inadequate due to limitations in accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness in poor weather or nighttime conditions, and often require human intervention to prevent collisions with ground obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing at least two continuous-wave radars for obstacle detection, capable of measuring distance, elevation, and azimuthal position, with frequency modulation, monopulse deviation-measurement processing, and SAR processing, integrated onboard aircraft to provide high-resolution imaging and rapid obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras are used for obstacle detection, then the system can provide visual information to the pilot, but the system becomes ineffective in poor meteorological conditions and does not provide accurate distance or speed information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical-based camera systems with radar-based detection systems. Radar uses electromagnetic wave reflection principles rather than optical imaging, enabling reliable operation in all weather conditions including fog, rain, and darkness. The radar measures distance through time-of-flight calculation and speed through Doppler frequency shift, providing precise quantitative data that cameras cannot deliver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical intensity (camera) to electromagnetic wave reflection characteristics (radar). By using radar frequency modulation and Doppler effect measurements, the system achieves both all-weather reliability and precise measurement of distance and relative speed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR is used for obstacle detection, then the system can provide range information, but the system has the same drawbacks as camera-based devices regarding weather effectiveness and information accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces LIDAR (light-based) with radar (radio wave-based) detection. While LIDAR provides good range measurement, its optical nature makes it susceptible to atmospheric attenuation in poor weather. Radar operates at longer wavelengths that penetrate fog, rain, and darkness, maintaining both range measurement precision and all-weather reliability simultaneously.
3Reliability
If acoustic sensors are used for obstacle detection, then the system can detect obstacles at close range, but the sensors are very sensitive to jamming and disturbances in acoustic wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic wave-based sensors with electromagnetic wave-based radar systems. Acoustic sensors operate at low frequencies and are easily jammed or disturbed by environmental noise. Radar uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves that are not subject to acoustic interference, providing both anti-jamming reliability and extended detection range through the air and over longer distances.
4Reliability
If ultra wideband radars are used for obstacle detection, then the system can detect obstacles, but the radars risk jamming other equipment and are subject to restrictive regulation limiting emission power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radar operating parameters from ultra-wideband (high power, broad spectrum) to narrowband or medium-band continuous wave radar with controlled emission levels. By adjusting the frequency band and power output parameters, the system maintains effective obstacle detection capability while operating below regulatory limits and avoiding interference with aircraft navigation equipment.
5Measurement precision
If ultra wideband radars are used for obstacle detection, then the system can detect obstacles, but the radars do not possess angular discrimination capability when used individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar system into multiple individual radar units, each with simple omnidirectional or wide-beam antennas. By segmenting the detection task across multiple units positioned at different locations on the aircraft, the system achieves angular discrimination through spatial triangulation without requiring complex phased array configurations on each individual radar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-radar angular measurement to multi-radar spatial positioning. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple radar locations, the system achieves precise obstacle location through trilateration and angular intersection, converting a single-point angular discrimination problem into a multi-point spatial geometry solution.
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 accurate and rapid detection of obstacles, reducing the risk of collisions by providing pilots with essential information on distance and speed, and is easy to integrate onboard aircraft at a reduced cost, while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing at least two continuous-wave radars for obstacle detection
Implementation Method 2
with frequency modulation
Implementation Method 3
capable of measuring distance, elevation, and azimuthal position
Implementation Method 4
by calculating the elevation of the obstacle using notably monopulse deviation-measurement processing
Implementation Method 5
with SAR processing, integrated onboard aircraft to provide high-resolution imaging
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to system for detecting obstacles (13, 55, 56, 57) on the ground (15) onboard a carrier (1). The detection system comprises at least two continuous-wave radars (2, 3, 4). The radars (2, 3, 4) are linked to a system (15) for utilizing the detection data arising from the radars (2, 3, 4). The detection system performs localization of an obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57): along a radial axis (12) between a radar (2, 3, 4) and the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57), by calculating the distance between the radar (2, 3, 4) and the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57); along a vertical axis (14) with respect to a radar (2, 3, 4), by calculating the elevation of the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57) using monopulse deviation-measurement processing. The detection system performs localization of an obstacles along a horizontal axis (18) transverse with respect to a sighting axis (11) of a radar (2, 3, 4), by calculating the azimuthal position of the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57). The invention applies notably in respect of the detection of obstacles on the ground so as to avoid any collision between a taxiing aircraft and these obstacles.