Surface-Mounted Pressure Sensors for Vehicle Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle guidance systems using flush air data sensing (FADS) face limitations in flexibility and accuracy due to the requirement for specific sensor placement along the vertical meridian, which restricts the ability to accurately estimate air data parameters like angle of attack and sideslip angle in various flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle guidance system employing at least four surface-mounted pressure sensors configured to detect surface pressure distributions, with an air data estimation controller that includes a preprocessor to determine converged values for angle of attack and sideslip angle using pressure data from sensors in different geometric planes, allowing for more flexible sensor placement and improved air data estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed along the vertical meridian of the nose, then measurement precision for angle of attack and sideslip angle is improved, but device complexity and ease of installation are worsened due to strict alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional flush-mounted pressure sensors to surface-mounted pressure sensors that operate in a different spatial dimension. This allows sensors to be mounted on the outer surface of the vehicle nose without requiring insertion into the vehicle skin, thereby eliminating the need for precise alignment along the vertical meridian while maintaining measurement accuracy through alternative geometric configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of sensor placement by using surface-mounted sensors positioned at various locations on the nose surface rather than strictly along the vertical meridian. The system uses multiple sensor configurations and iterative algorithms to converge on accurate angle of attack and sideslip angle measurements, allowing flexibility in sensor placement while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If surface-mounted pressure sensors are used instead of flush-mounted sensors, then ease of installation is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by surface disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flush-mounted sensor system with a surface-mounted sensor system that uses computational algorithms to compensate for surface effects. Instead of relying on the mechanical precision of flush mounting, the system uses iterative mathematical algorithms to converge on accurate pressure measurements by accounting for surface-mounted sensor disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an iterative feedback algorithm that continuously refines the angle of attack and sideslip angle estimates based on pressure measurements from surface-mounted sensors. The preprocessor and processor use feedback loops to converge on accurate measurements by adjusting estimates based on the actual pressure data received from sensors positioned on the vehicle surface.
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 enables real-time, flexible, and accurate computation of flight parameters, enhancing the system's ability to adjust vehicle orientation effectively across various flight conditions without the need for precise sensor alignment along the vertical meridian.
Implementation Method 1
at least four surface-mounted pressure sensors configured to be mounted on a vehicle, each sensor being configured to detect a surface pressure distribution for a location of each such sensor when placed on a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle guidance system, including: surface-mounted pressure sensors mounted on a vehicle; an air data estimation controller including: a preprocessor that sets initial values for angle of attack and sideslip angle, determines a converged value for the angle of attack using the initial values and values of one or more first sets of three sensors, each first set of sensors are located among three different planes that are parallel to the ground, and provides a converged sideslip angle value based on the converged value and values of one or more second sets of three sensors, each second set of sensors located among three different planes that are perpendicular to the ground; a processor that estimates air data based on the converged value for the angle of attack and the converged sideslip angle value; and processor that provides an output for adjusting orientation of a vehicle based on the air data.