Runway Position Identification During Intersection Takeoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight deck display systems fail to accurately identify runways during intersection takeoffs, leading to potential safety issues due to lack of markings or indications, and pilots may mistakenly believe they are on the correct runway, especially when runways converge, resulting in insufficient remaining runway for a safe takeoff.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the aircraft's position and heading relative to the assigned runway, providing graphical and aural indications to identify the correct runway and remaining runway distance, using a processor to compare aircraft data with stored runway information and display critical information in a visually clear manner, such as color coding for accuracy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If runway markings and signage are used to identify the runway, then runway identification is provided at the beginning of the runway, but no indication is provided during intersection takeoffs where markings are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (avionics system with display device) that mediates between the physical runway environment and the pilot's awareness. This system processes aircraft position data, runway data, and performance data to generate synthetic runway representations and provide runway identification and remaining distance information, effectively bridging the information gap when traditional markings are absent at intersection takeoff locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical runway markings and signage system with an electronic avionics-based information system. Instead of relying on physical markings that are absent at intersections, the system uses electronic displays, synthetic representations, and computed data to provide runway identification and status information, substituting the mechanical indication system with an electronic one.
2Productivity
If takeoff calculations assume entire runway length is available, then takeoff performance is optimized, but insufficient runway may remain for safe takeoff at intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring and displaying the actual remaining runway distance based on aircraft position and runway characteristics. The system compares the assumed available runway length with the actual remaining distance to the runway end, providing real-time feedback to the pilot through the display device. This feedback loop allows the pilot to adjust takeoff decisions based on accurate information about remaining runway availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations and assessments of remaining runway distance and takeoff performance before the actual takeoff decision is made. By computing the remaining runway distance and comparing it with required takeoff distance in advance, the system enables the pilot to determine beforehand whether sufficient runway is available, preventing unsafe takeoff attempts.
3Illumination intensity
If synthetic vision systems display runway markings as seen from cockpit, then realistic view is provided, but no indication is given when aircraft is on wrong runway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to the synthetic vision display by superimposing informational elements (such as runway identification indicators, remaining distance markers, or verification symbols) onto the realistic cockpit view. This dimensional addition provides runway verification information without compromising the realistic visual representation, allowing pilots to verify they are on the correct runway while maintaining the intuitive realistic view.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for determining if an aircraft is headed in the right direction on a runway entered upon at a location that does not display runway identification comprises receiving runway and aircraft position data for determining the identity of the runway. The identity of the runway is then compared with a representation of an assigned runway stored on the aircraft to determine if they match.