Runway Friction Measurement via Aircraft Flight Data Recorder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calculating aircraft braking friction and landing performance parameters are inaccurate, costly, and unsafe due to reliance on ground-based measurement devices, which are expensive, time-consuming, and prone to calibration issues, and do not account for rapid weather changes or differences between aircraft and ground equipment.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing data from an aircraft's Flight Data Recorder to calculate true aircraft landing performance parameters in real-time, eliminating the need for external measurement devices and providing accurate, up-to-date information on runway surface friction and braking action by processing onboard data on braking systems, speeds, and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-based friction measurement equipment is used to calculate aircraft braking performance, then runway surface friction can be measured, but the measurements are inaccurate due to calibration issues and differences between ground equipment and aircraft braking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft uses its own braking system and onboard sensors to measure runway friction during normal landing operations, eliminating the need for separate ground-based measurement equipment. The aircraft's Flight Data Recorder captures braking parameters directly from the aircraft's braking system, ensuring measurements reflect actual aircraft-brunway interaction without calibration discrepancies between different measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces ground-based mechanical friction measurement devices with an onboard electronic measurement system that utilizes the aircraft's existing braking system and Flight Data Recorder. This substitution eliminates the mechanical interface between ground equipment and runway, using instead electronic sensors and data processing to calculate friction coefficients from actual aircraft braking performance
2Measurement precision
If ground friction measurement devices are deployed, then runway friction data can be obtained, but runway closures are required which reduce productivity and increase time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft performs friction measurements during its normal landing operation without requiring runway closure. The Flight Data Recorder captures braking data during the aircraft's regular deceleration process, allowing friction measurements to be obtained while the runway remains fully operational for other aircraft
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously collects friction data from each landing aircraft, creating an ongoing record of runway conditions without interruption to airport operations. This continuous measurement approach replaces periodic ground-based measurements that require runway closure, maintaining uninterrupted runway productivity while providing up-to-date friction data
3Quantity of substance
If ground-based measurement equipment is used, then friction data can be collected, but the process is time-consuming and does not provide real-time updates on weather changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects friction data from each landing aircraft in real-time, providing ongoing updates on runway conditions as weather changes occur. This continuous data stream replaces time-consuming periodic ground measurements, delivering current friction information without delay
Solution Approach 2:
The Flight Data Recorder provides immediate feedback on braking performance and friction conditions for each landing aircraft. This real-time feedback mechanism allows operators to receive current runway friction data without the time delay inherent in scheduled ground-based measurements, enabling rapid response to changing weather conditions
4Measurement precision
If multiple runway friction measurement devices are deployed, then coverage can be improved, but device complexity and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft's existing Flight Data Recorder and braking system serve multiple functions: recording flight parameters, monitoring braking system performance, and measuring runway friction. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated friction measurement equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability across the runway
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying physical measurement devices on the ground, the system uses copies of the aircraft's braking data and sensor information to derive friction coefficients. The Flight Data Recorder captures electrical and mechanical parameters that are processed to create friction measurements, replacing physical ground equipment with data processing
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 accurate and timely data for improved safety and operational decisions, reducing the need for runway closures, minimizing equipment costs, and ensuring consistent measurements, thereby enhancing aviation safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the actual effective braking friction coefficient of the landing aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for calculating a standardized value for the actual runway braking coefficient of friction of one or more arriving aircraft using data from each aircraft's flight data recorder or flight data management system, standardizing the calculated information to provide redundancy and to make it usable by subsequently arriving aircraft, and reporting the calculated standardized value information to individuals and agencies including air traffic control, airport operations and maintenance, and aircraft pilots and ground crews; andA method and apparatus for calculating the actual runway braking coefficient of friction of an aircraft using data from the aircraft's flight data recorder or flight data management system, transmitting the data in real-time to an off-aircraft high-power computing system, calculating off-aircraft the landing aircraft's actual runway braking coefficient of friction, and reporting the calculated information to individuals and agencies including air traffic control, airport operations and maintenance, and aircraft pilots and ground crews.