Turbulence Data Superposition on Airplanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining turbulence data during flights, such as those based on forecast models, suffer from inaccuracies due to the inability to detect clear-air turbulence and result in both 'no detection' and 'false alarm' scenarios, undermining the reliability of turbulence monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing communication devices on board airplanes to collect and process turbulence data, which involves spatial acceleration data conversion and super-positioning of data from multiple devices onto a single tempo-spatial frame of reference to generate and distribute accurate turbulence maps, reducing false positives and enhancing detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If forecast models are used to obtain turbulence data, then turbulence monitoring is provided, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to inability to detect clear-air turbulence and presence of false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data sources including forecast model data, actual flight data from multiple aircraft, and sensor data from communication devices into a unified turbulence monitoring system. This integration allows cross-validation of data, reducing false alarms while maintaining detection of clear-air turbulence through consensus among multiple independent sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where turbulence data from actual flights is continuously fed back into the forecast models and used to refine future predictions. This closed-loop approach allows the system to learn from past detections and false alarms, progressively improving both detection accuracy and reliability over time
2Measurement precision
If multiple communication devices collect turbulence data, then detection accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases due to super-positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the turbulence monitoring system into independent communication devices on individual aircraft, each collecting and pre-processing its own data locally. This distributed architecture allows parallel data collection without centralized processing bottlenecks, maintaining high detection accuracy while managing complexity through modular, independent units
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives data from multiple communication devices and performs the super-positioning operation. This intermediary component standardizes and harmonizes data from different sources before integration, simplifying the overall processing complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple data sources
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 system provides reliable and accurate turbulence data by minimizing false positives and improving detection of clear-air turbulence, leading to enhanced flight safety and comfort by reducing fuel consumption and passenger discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
obtain spatial acceleration data affecting the communication device during a flight on-board an airplane
Implementation Method 2
converting the spatial acceleration data into turbulence data based on a conversion process
Implementation Method 3
super-positioning onto a single tempo-spatial frame of reference the turbulence data including the multiple different turbulence levels
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method is provided for obtaining and processing turbulence data via communication devices located on-board airplanes. Turbulence data obtained by a plurality of communication devices may be received during flights on-board respective ones of a plurality of airplanes. Turbulence map data may be generated by super-positioning the turbulence data received from the plurality of communication devices onto a single tempo-spatial frame of reference. The turbulence map data may be distributed to one or more of the communication devices. A device, system and method is also provided for generating turbulence map data that may reduce or eliminate “false positive” turbulence events. A device, system and method is also provided for communicating with on-board communication devices operating in a “flight crew mode” or a “passenger mode.”