TCAS Flight Parameter Sharing for Wake Vortex Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft communication systems, like TCAS, have limited bandwidth, preventing the automatic transmission of flight parameters necessary for precise calculation of wake vortex positions and circulation force from lead aircraft to intruder aircraft, limiting their ability to optimize formation flying or avoid turbulence.
Innovation Solution
Creating a restricted confidence volume behind the lead aircraft, where only a limited number of intruder aircraft can be located, allows for the transmission of additional flight parameters beyond altitude, enabling precise calculation of wake vortex positions and circulation force without exceeding communication bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCAS bandwidth is limited to exchange only altitude data, then communication reliability is maintained, but the ability to transmit flight parameters for wake vortex calculation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surveillance volume into multiple confidence volumes, each with its own dedicated data link. This allows flight parameters to be transmitted to multiple intruder aircraft simultaneously without exceeding the total bandwidth capacity of the TCAS system, while maintaining communication reliability through structured data allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the data transmission problem by creating a three-dimensional confidence volume structure. Instead of limiting transmission to a single receiver, the system allows parameter transmission to multiple aircraft positioned at different spatial locations within the segmented volume, effectively increasing transmission capacity without increasing per-link bandwidth.
2Measurement precision
If flight parameters are transmitted to multiple intruder aircraft, then wake vortex calculation accuracy improves, but communication bandwidth is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance volume is divided into multiple confidence volumes, each capable of receiving flight parameters independently. This segmentation allows the system to provide accurate wake vortex calculations to multiple intruder aircraft simultaneously by distributing parameter transmission across segmented data link resources, preventing bandwidth overload while maintaining calculation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Each confidence volume is configured with specific data link resources tailored to the local requirements of intruder aircraft within that volume. This local quality approach ensures that flight parameters are transmitted with appropriate precision to each receiver based on its specific position and needs, optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining calculation accuracy for all recipients.
3Quantity of substance
If a restricted confidence volume is created, then bandwidth capacity is preserved, but the area available for formation flying is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating a single large confidence volume that would consume excessive bandwidth, the system segments the surveillance space into multiple smaller confidence volumes. Each segmented volume has its own dedicated data link resources, preserving overall bandwidth capacity while collectively providing extensive coverage for formation flying operations across the entire segmented space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional area concept to a three-dimensional segmented volume structure. By organizing confidence volumes in three-dimensional space with dedicated data links, the system preserves bandwidth capacity through structured spatial allocation while providing sufficient volume for formation flying through the cumulative effect of multiple segmented regions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting flight parameters from a lead aircraft (L) to at least one intruder aircraft (I). According to the invention, the transmission is carried out by means of a collision avoidance system of the TCAS type to which is connected a system for authorizing the transmission of flight parameters having a database comprising coordinates defining a volume, said confidence volume (C), lower than the TCAS surveillance volume. The lead aircraft flight parameter transmission authorization system authorizes, only for an intruder aircraft identified as flying in the confidence volume, the transmission of at least one lead aircraft flight parameter so that the intruding aircraft can calculate the position of centers of wake vortices (14L, 15L) generated by the lead aircraft (L) or the circulation force of said wake vortices (14L, 15L). The exchange of flight parameters from the lead aircraft only to intruder aircraft flying in the confidence volume of restricted dimensions makes it possible not to exceed the maximum capacity of the bandwidth of the automated communication.