Runway Adhesion Measurement via Aircraft Slip Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining a runway's state during landing and takeoff are unreliable, subjective, and not compatible with real-time requirements, as they often rely on adhesion measurements that are inconsistent and require runway closure, making them unsuitable for frequent updates and use by multiple aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A system that acquires data on an aircraft's slip ratio and adhesion during takeoff or landing, using these metrics to compare with predetermined profiles to determine the runway state independently of the aircraft, allowing for precise and reliable estimation of the runway's contamination level and adhesion, which can be updated in real-time without closing the runway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If adhesion measurements are taken using friction engines or mu-meters, then runway adhesion data is obtained, but the measurements are inconsistent, not representative for airplanes, and require runway closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction engines and mu-meters with an aircraft-based measurement system that uses the aircraft's own braking system to measure adhesion. The system measures deceleration during takeoff or landing and calculates adhesion coefficients from these measurements, eliminating the need for separate mechanical measurement devices and runway closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft serves itself by using its own braking system and deceleration data to measure runway adhesion. The measurement system is integrated into the aircraft's existing systems, allowing the aircraft to contribute to runway state knowledge without requiring external measurement equipment or runway closure.
2Loss of information
If visual and manual inspections of the runway are performed, then contaminant type and thickness are identified, but the runway must be closed for long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous runway state monitoring by having each aircraft perform measurements during its normal takeoff or landing operations. This continuous stream of measurements from multiple aircraft provides up-to-date runway state information without requiring periodic runway closures for inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspections with an automated measurement system that uses aircraft deceleration data to determine runway state. This substitution eliminates the need for manual inspection agents and allows measurements to be taken during normal aircraft operations without runway closure.
3Measurement precision
If adhesion measurements are taken by towed vehicles or special vehicles, then runway adhesion is measured, but the results are not representative for airplanes due to different scales of phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates universal runway state information that can be used by any aircraft regardless of type, size, or braking system characteristics. By measuring deceleration during actual takeoff or landing operations and using normalized adhesion coefficients, the system produces data that is applicable to all aircraft operating on the runway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameters from vehicle-specific mechanical friction measurements to aircraft-based deceleration measurements. By calculating adhesion coefficients from deceleration data during actual aircraft operations, the system creates parameters that are directly representative of aircraft-runway interaction across different aircraft types.
4Loss of information
If Reported Braking Actions or Pilot Reports are used, then pilot experience about braking performances is obtained, but the estimates are subjective and depend on the specific plane
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements objective feedback by measuring actual deceleration values during takeoff or landing and calculating adhesion coefficients from these measurements. This quantitative feedback replaces subjective pilot assessments with precise, measurable data that can be objectively compared and used for runway state determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective pilot reporting with an automated measurement system that uses aircraft deceleration sensors and calculation algorithms to determine runway state. This substitution transforms qualitative pilot experience into quantitative, objective measurements that are precise and consistent across different aircraft and pilots.
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
This approach provides a more accurate and objective assessment of the runway state, enabling better decision-making for pilots and airport management by correlating adhesion measurements with the actual runway conditions, ensuring safer operations and efficient use of runways.
Implementation Method 1
a plane's braking performances on a runway said to be contaminated are very difficult to predict because of the difficulty in having a reliable and accurate knowledge of the runway's contribution to the plane's deceleration, in particular in terms of adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a device and process for determining an airport runway state (12), as well as for using such data. The process includes: acquisition (A1) of measurement data pertaining to at least one physical size of an aircraft (10), during the take off or landing roll phase of the aircraft on said runway; obtaining (A2), using the data acquired, a plurality of estimated adhesion values “μ” of the runway, corresponding to a respective plurality of taxiing moments of the aircraft; obtaining (A3), using the data acquired, a slip ratio value “s” of at least one of the aircraft's wheels for each said taxiing moment, so as to obtain (A4) a plurality of coupled data points [s,μ]; and determination of a runway state by comparing (A5.2) the coupled data points [s,μ] profile with at least one predetermined profile.