Aircraft Sensor Pod Assembly with Modular Pressurized Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft sensor pod designs are limited in accommodating multiple sensor systems, optimizing sensor field of view, managing center of gravity, and minimizing stability and control impact, with a lack of adaptability for pressurized instrument containers along the longitudinal axis.
Innovation Solution
A sensor pod assembly with an elongated, removable design mounted under the aircraft fuselage, featuring a pressurization system, venting system, and rack mounting structure for multiple sensors and pressurized containers, allowing flexible placement and integration of various sensors and systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a circular shaped radome is mounted on the aircraft, then radar antenna coverage is improved, but the sensor pod is limited to continuously rotating radar systems only
Solution Approach 1:
The pod is divided into a modular structure with separate mounting sections for different sensor types. The sensor mounting area is segmented to accommodate various sensor configurations (rotating radar, fixed sensors, arrays) independently, allowing versatility without requiring the entire pod design to be limited to one sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The pod design incorporates universal mounting interfaces and structural features that can support multiple sensor types simultaneously or alternatively. The attachment system is designed to be adaptable to different sensor configurations, making the pod multi-functional rather than specialized for a single sensor type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are mounted on the aircraft fuselage, then sensor field of view is improved, but the center of gravity management is affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting sensors directly on the fuselage body, the invention extends the sensor pod outward from the fuselage surface. This dimensional extension positions sensors in three-dimensional space away from the fuselage, optimizing field of view while locating the pod's weight at a distance that allows for center of gravity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The pod incorporates an extendable and retractable mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of sensor position and pod length. This enables the system to optimize sensor field of view when extended, and minimize impact on center of gravity and reduce drag when retracted, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If an extendable antenna pod is mounted on the lower side of the fuselage, then antenna coverage is improved, but aircraft weight increases due to extension mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The pod features an extendable structure with telescoping sections that can be deployed when enhanced sensor coverage is needed and retracted when not required. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve large antenna coverage area only when necessary, minimizing the weight penalty and drag during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension mechanism operates periodically or on-demand based on mission requirements rather than continuously. The pod can be extended for specific surveillance or detection tasks requiring larger coverage area, then retracted for cruising or when full coverage is not needed, optimizing the trade-off between coverage area and weight/drag throughout the flight profile.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor pod is suspended on a pylon extending downward from the fuselage, then sensor placement flexibility is improved, but aircraft stability and control are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The pod incorporates adjustable counterweights or ballast systems that can be configured to partially compensate for the destabilizing effect of the extended pod structure. By applying partial counterbalancing action, the system achieves sensor placement flexibility while minimizing the impact on aircraft stability and control characteristics.
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
The solution enhances sensor coverage, improves aircraft stability and control, and allows for efficient management of the center of gravity while accommodating multiple sensors and pressurized containers, optimizing the sensor field of view and reducing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization system for pressurizing the at least one container
Implementation Method 2
a venting system for controlling the pressure level with in the at least one container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is sensor pod assembly for mounting sensor systems for an aircraft, the aircraft having a fuselage with a longitudinal axis. In detail the sensor pod includes an elongated pod having front and rear ends, the pod removable mountable to the underside of the fuselage of the aircraft aligned with the longitudinal axis. A mounting system is includes to mount at least one container capable of being pressurized in a plurality of locations within the pod along the longitudinal axis, the at least one container including means to mount the sensor systems there within.