Runway SAR Radar Scanning for Real-Time FOD and Crack Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying foreign objects or debris and pavement discontinuities on airport runways are inefficient, costly, and lack real-time capability, with existing systems providing unsatisfactory performance and high computational demands.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a broadband FM radar and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing technique for acquiring high-resolution images of runways, allowing uniform scanning and precise identification of small objects and cracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection methods are used, then the identification of foreign objects or debris can be performed, but the process is very slow and lacks real-time capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated radar-based detection system. The radar device emits electromagnetic waves that interact with foreign objects and pavement discontinuities, converting a mechanical/optical inspection process into an electromagnetic field-based automated system, thereby achieving both reliable identification and real-time capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from optical visibility to electromagnetic wave interaction. By using radar waves with specific frequencies and analyzing their reflection characteristics, the system can detect objects and pavement features that are not visible to the human eye, enabling real-time detection across the entire runway surface
2Extent of automation
If cameras or LIDARs with expert image recognition systems are used, then automated detection is achieved, but high computational costs are required and results are not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical image recognition systems with a radar-based detection method. Instead of analyzing complex visual images that require expert recognition algorithms, the system uses radar wave reflection characteristics to directly detect and locate foreign objects and pavement discontinuities, reducing computational requirements while improving detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the essential detection function from complex image recognition systems. By focusing solely on the radar signal processing and reflection characteristic analysis, the patent isolates the core detection capability, eliminating the need for complex computational vision algorithms while achieving satisfactory detection results
3Reliability
If ground-based synthetic aperture radar is used, then radar detection capability is provided, but only a small portion of the runway can be seen and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static ground-based radar system into a mobile airborne radar system. By mounting the radar on an aircraft that moves along the runway, the system dynamically covers the entire runway length, eliminating the need for multiple fixed installations while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The airborne radar system serves multiple functions: it detects foreign objects, identifies pavement discontinuities, and provides real-time monitoring across the entire runway. This single mobile system replaces the need for multiple fixed installations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability
4Reliability
If ground-based synthetic aperture radar is used, then radar detection is provided, but non-uniform resolution is obtained that degrades with distance and angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic airborne movement to maintain optimal detection geometry. By controlling the aircraft's position and attitude during flight, the system maintains consistent radar viewing angles and distances across the runway, achieving uniform resolution throughout the entire detection area rather than the non-uniform resolution characteristic of ground-based systems
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
Enables reliable, real-time detection of small debris and pavement discontinuities with uniform resolution, overcoming the limitations of existing systems by providing high signal-to-noise ratio and millimeter-level resolution.
Implementation Method 1
designed to acquire images of a runway (3) and provide, by means of a synthetic aperture radar ('SAR') processing technique of such images
Implementation Method 2
broadband FM radar (5) with a central frequency >20 GHZ, designed to acquire images of a runway (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is described, of the aircraft or Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) type, equipped with a system for the detection on runways of Foreign Objects or Debris (FOD), discontinuities or cracks in the pavement, the system comprising a broadband FM radar with a central frequency >20 GHZ, designed to acquire images of the runway and provide, by means of a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) processing technique of the images, at least one high-resolution image of a surface of the runway to identify such foreign objects or debris, discontinuities or cracks in the pavement present on the surface, the vehicle being provided to move along the runway.