Aircraft Ultrasonic Sensor Intensity Control for Ground Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft ultrasonic acoustic sensors pose a hearing safety risk to ground crew and maintenance personnel due to high decibel sound levels, and existing solutions are impractical for systems that need to operate and provide functional testing while on the ground without completely shutting off high-intensity transmitters.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit monitors aircraft parameters and environmental conditions to reduce ultrasonic signal intensity below 110 decibels when the aircraft is on the ground or detects a hard target in the vicinity, and designs the directivity of the acoustic signals to attenuate sound pressure levels at short distances from the aircraft, using a fixed echo protector to direct signals horizontally along the aircraft skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high intensity ultrasonic transmitters are used to support high velocity measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but hearing safety of ground personnel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transmitter operates in two intensity modes: high intensity mode during flight for accurate velocity measurements, and low intensity mode during ground operations to ensure hearing safety. The system dynamically switches between modes based on aircraft state, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and personnel safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the acoustic intensity parameter of the ultrasonic transmitter based on operational context. During ground operations, intensity is reduced to below 110 dB to protect hearing, while during flight, intensity is increased to support high velocity measurements, thus adapting the parameter to resolve the contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ultrasonic transmitters are turned off while aircraft is on ground, then hearing safety is improved, but system functionality and measurement capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than completely shutting off the transmitter, the system dynamically adjusts operational intensity. During ground operations, the transmitter remains active at reduced intensity (below 110 dB), enabling fault checking and preliminary measurements while ensuring hearing safety, thus maintaining reliability without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by operating the ultrasonic transmitter at reduced intensity during ground operations rather than complete shutdown. This partial operation provides sufficient capability for fault checking and preliminary measurements while maintaining hearing safety, resolving the contradiction between safety and functionality.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic signals are emitted at high intensity during ground operations, then measurement capability is improved, but harmful sound levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic intensity parameter is changed based on operational context. During ground operations, the system limits intensity to below 110 dB to prevent harmful sound levels, while maintaining sufficient capability for fault checking and preliminary measurements. During flight, intensity is increased for high velocity measurements, thus adapting the parameter to resolve the contradiction.
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
Ensures hearing safety for personnel near the aircraft while allowing the ultrasonic sensor system to operate on the ground for testing and maintenance, maintaining performance for air data parameter sensing and fault checking without exposing individuals to hazardous sound levels.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an echo of an emitted acoustic pulse
Implementation Method 2
reduce the intensity of the emitted acoustic signals to below 110 decibels (dB)... attenuate the intensity of the emitted acoustic signals at a threshold distance from the aircraft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An acoustic sensor system for an aircraft (52), and method for operating the same, includes a transmitter (12), at least one microphone (14a-14n), and a control circuit (16). The transmitter (12) is configured to emit acoustic signals external to the aircraft. The at least one microphone (14a-14n) is positioned on an exterior of the aircraft (52) and configured to sense the acoustic signals as sensed data. The control circuit (16) is configured to receive the sensed data and control the transmitter (12) through a drive circuit (18), and is configured to detect an environmental condition and control the transmitter (12) to emit the acoustic signals at a reduced intensity based on the detected environmental condition.