Surface Pressure Sensor Guidance for Flexible Air Data Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle guidance systems are limited by the need for precise placement of pressure sensors along the vertical meridian for accurate real-time computation of flight parameters, which restricts flexibility and efficiency in sensor placement and data processing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle guidance system with surface-mounted pressure sensors that allow for flexible placement, using a potential flow model to estimate flight angles and Mach number, and an air data estimation controller to calculate converged values for angle of attack, sideslip angle, and freestream pressure, enabling real-time in-flight adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are placed precisely along the vertical meridian, then accurate real-time computation of flight parameters is achieved, but flexibility and efficiency in sensor placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the Triples Algorithm by changing the parameter of sensor placement from a fixed vertical meridian constraint to a more general configuration. The algorithm is modified to work with sensors placed at arbitrary locations on the vehicle surface, using a coordinate transformation approach that maps general sensor positions to the mathematical framework originally requiring vertical meridian alignment. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining computational accuracy while enabling placement flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If pressure sensors are placed flexibly on the vehicle surface, then ease of installation and adaptability is improved, but accuracy of real-time computation of flight parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of fixed sensor placement with a mathematical transformation system. Instead of physically positioning sensors along the vertical meridian, the system uses coordinate transformations and algorithmic adjustments to compensate for arbitrary sensor locations. This substitution of mechanical positioning requirements with mathematical corrections enables easy installation while preserving computational accuracy.
3Productivity
If the Triples Algorithm is used for real-time computation, then processing speed is improved, but sensor placement flexibility is reduced due to vertical meridian requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the Triples Algorithm to serve multiple sensor configuration scenarios. The modified algorithm functions universally for both the original vertical meridian placement and new arbitrary placements. By incorporating coordinate transformations and general position calculations, the algorithm becomes multi-functional, handling real-time computation needs while adapting to various sensor arrangements without sacrificing processing speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle guidance system, including: sensors to detect a surface pressure distribution for a respective location of the corresponding sensor on a vehicle, respectively; and a controller to receive an initial value for a Mach number; and calculate a converged value for an angle of attack based on first surface pressure data from a first set of the sensors, and a converged sideslip angle value based on second surface pressure data from a second set of the sensors. The controller calculates a freestream dynamic pressure based on the initial Mach number, the converged angle of attack, and the converged sideslip angle value, and calculates a freestream pressure, and calculates a converged value for Mach number based on the freestream pressure and the freestream dynamic pressure. A flight control processor provides an output for adjusting an orientation of the vehicle based on the converged Mach number and the freestream pressure.