Wake Vortex Separation Control Using Optical Airspeed Differentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for measuring and analyzing air and weather anomalies lack accuracy, are adversely affected by environmental conditions, and require frequent deicing, necessitating improved methods for tracking and interacting with these phenomena.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a platform with sensors for measuring airflow, a guidance controller, and a processor configured to determine navigational solutions based on airspeed differentials and desired separation distances, enabling precise maneuvering relative to air or weather anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to measure air and weather anomalies, then measurement capability is provided, but accuracy is insufficient and environmental conditions adversely affect performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensors (such as cup anemometers, vane anemometers, and hot-wire anemometers) with a laser-based optical measurement system. The system uses a laser source to illuminate atmospheric molecules and particulate, and a detector to measure the scattered light, thereby determining wind velocity and direction without mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to environmental damage and deicing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces atmospheric molecules and particulate as an intermediary medium between the laser source and the measurement target. These molecules and particulate scatter the laser light, enabling indirect measurement of air anomaly characteristics without direct mechanical contact with the harsh environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If traditional mechanical sensors are deployed, then airflow measurement is achieved, but frequent deicing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical sensors that require deicing by using a non-contact optical measurement system. The laser-based system measures airflow through light scattering by atmospheric molecules and particulate, requiring no physical exposure to precipitation or ice accumulation, thereby eliminating deicing operations and associated maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The atmospheric molecules and particulate naturally present in the air serve as the measurement target, eliminating the need for external deicing systems or maintenance interventions. The system uses the existing atmospheric composition to its advantage, requiring no additional protective measures against environmental conditions.
3Loss of information
If vehicles traverse through air anomalies with increased intensity, then data collection opportunity increases, but effects and impact of anomalies increase in severity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses atmospheric molecules and particulate as an intermediary that allows measurement of air anomaly characteristics from a distance. The laser light scatters off these molecules and particulate in the anomaly, enabling the system to characterize the anomaly's velocity and direction without the vehicle needing to penetrate into the high-intensity region where harmful effects are greatest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of air anomaly characteristics using the laser scattering method before the vehicle enters the anomaly region. By obtaining advance knowledge of the anomaly's properties (velocity, direction, intensity), the vehicle can plan its traversal path to minimize exposure to harmful effects while still collecting necessary data.
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 enhances safety and fuel efficiency by accurately positioning platforms relative to air or weather anomalies, providing advanced warnings of adverse conditions and optimizing interactions with air currents, such as wake vortices, thereby reducing fuel consumption and improving operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an airspeed from the air or weather anomaly to determine an airspeed differential
Data Source
AI summary
Separation distances between a platform and an air or weather anomaly such as a wake vortex are obtained. Airspeeds of the air or weather anomalies are detected. Maximum airspeeds determined from different detection paths may result one or more airspeed differentials. The one or more airspeed differentials may be used to determine a calculated separation distance. A position of the platform may be maintained or maneuvered relative to the air or weather anomaly based on the calculated separation distance. Control commands may be output to a vehicle control system to perform, direct, or display a navigational solution including maneuvering relative to the air or weather anomaly, where the vehicle control system may include a graphics controller, a flight control system, a flight management system, or an autopilot.