Runway Braking Assessment via Aircraft Data Normalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining aircraft runway landing conditions are often inaccurate, inconsistent, and fail to provide real-time, quantitative predictions, especially in adverse weather conditions, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method that collects braking data from landed aircraft, calculates braking performance measurements, and determines normalized braking performance measurements to assess runway conditions, which includes collecting data on initial and final velocities and deceleration rates, and normalizing these measurements based on various factors such as weather and aircraft type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pilot perception is used to determine runway landing conditions, then the method is simple to implement, but the accuracy and consistency of the measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human pilot's subjective perception (biological/mechanical system) with an automated aircraft-based measurement system that collects objective braking data (mechanical system). This substitution eliminates the inconsistency and inaccuracy of human perception while maintaining ease of implementation through existing aircraft sensors and systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of sensors and data processing equipment that mediates between the runway conditions and the assessment. This intermediary system objectively measures braking performance and translates it into standardized runway condition assessments, removing the need for direct pilot perception.
2Device complexity
If ground friction measuring vehicles are used to predict runway conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using ground-based vehicles to measure friction (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using the aircraft itself - the object that needs to land - to measure its own braking performance. This inversion allows direct measurement of the actual braking conditions experienced by landing aircraft, which is more reliable than ground-based predictions, especially in adverse weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft serves itself by using its own braking system and sensors to measure its braking performance on the runway. This self-measurement approach provides direct, first-hand data about the actual braking conditions, eliminating the need for separate ground-based measurement vehicles and their associated reliability issues in adverse weather.
3Device complexity
If ground friction measuring vehicles operate at low relative speed to aircraft, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision of braking performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the aircraft measure its own braking performance at actual landing speeds rather than using ground vehicles at low speeds. This inversion ensures that the measurement is taken at the relevant speed regime, providing accurate predictions of braking performance under actual landing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter from low (ground vehicle) to high (aircraft landing speed) by using the aircraft itself as the measuring device. This parameter change ensures that the braking performance is measured at the actual operating conditions, providing accurate predictions for landing operations.
4Loss of energy
If existing methods are used to determine runway conditions, then the loss of equipment cost is minimized, but the loss of time for obtaining real-time data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement of braking performance by utilizing the aircraft's own braking events as measurement opportunities. Each landing provides a data point, creating a continuous stream of real-time runway condition information without requiring dedicated measurement infrastructure or interrupting normal airport operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft uses its own braking system and sensors to generate measurement data during normal landing operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate measurement equipment and operations, providing real-time data without additional cost or time penalty to the airport system.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses differing embodiments of methods, aircraft, and apparatus for determining the landing conditions of a runway. In one embodiment, braking data may be collected from an aircraft which has landed on the runway; a braking performance measurement of the aircraft may be calculated based on the braking data; and a normalized braking performance measurement may be determined based on the braking performance measurement. The invention may be utilized to predict the expected braking performance of various types of aircraft on the runway. The invention may provide landing performance information to a broad host of users, and/or may be used as a basis for the development of a new aviation standard for the reporting of runway braking action.