Avionic Sensor Test Pod Cable Suspension System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test methods for avionic sensors are costly and inefficient, requiring expensive aircraft modifications and multiple flights to test a single sensor due to stringent aerodynamic and weight requirements, limiting the number of sensors that can be tested simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus using a cable suspension system to attach an avionic sensor test pod to a helicopter, allowing for reduced costs and simplified design by leveraging the flexibility and lower requirements of helicopters, enabling multiple sensors to be tested during a single flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test pods are fixed to the wing of an aircraft, then the sensors can be tested in flight conditions similar to effective use conditions, but the costs become extremely high due to purchase or long-term renting of suitable aeroplane and stringent aerodynamic and weight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the test pod from the aircraft by using a cable suspension connection instead of fixed mounting. The pod is divided into a modular unit that can be independently suspended, allowing the aircraft to remain in its original configuration without aerodynamic modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable suspension system acts as an intermediary between the helicopter and the test pod. This intermediary connection allows the pod to be suspended below the aircraft, eliminating the need for wing modifications while maintaining stable flight conditions for sensor testing.
2Productivity
If test pods are fixed to the wing of an aircraft, then sensors can be tested in flight, but it is not possible to test more than one sensor at a time and test campaigns require a large number of flights
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors are merged into a single test pod unit, allowing simultaneous testing of multiple sensors during one flight. The pod is designed to accommodate several sensor instruments, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate testing flights.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are installed directly on aeroplanes specifically modified to perform the tests, then testing can be conducted, but the maintenance and modification costs of an aeroplane are extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The testing function is extracted from the aircraft itself and placed into a separate, movable test pod. Instead of modifying the aircraft to accommodate sensors, the sensors are taken out and placed in a dedicated pod that can be suspended from various aircraft without permanent modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The test pod is designed as a temporary, non-permanent installation that can be quickly attached and removed. This disposable-like approach avoids expensive permanent modifications to the aircraft, allowing the same pod to be used across multiple testing campaigns with different sensors.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A test apparatus for avionic sensors including a helicopter (2), an avionic sensor test pod (3) equipped with at least one avionic sensor (18, 20) and a cable suspension system (4) connecting the test pod (3) to the helicopter (2).