Weather Radar Altitude Detection Without Radio Altimeter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current altitude detection systems for aircraft are costly, voluminous, and require additional holes in the fuselage, and they rely on radio altimeters, which are not always reliable or efficient, especially in weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An on-board avionic weather radar system is used to determine altitude by processing radar returns, calculating the angle and range to the ground, and incorporating movement parameters to provide accurate altitude data without the need for a radio altimeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radio altimeter is added to detect aircraft altitude, then altitude data can be provided for ground proximity warning systems and landing information, but the system volume, weight, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weather radar system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original weather detection function and the new altitude measurement function. The same antenna, transmitter, and signal processing electronics are used for both purposes, eliminating the need for a separate radio altimeter hardware system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the altitude measurement function with the existing weather radar system by integrating the ground detection capability into the radar's signal processing chain. The radar returns are processed to extract both weather information and altitude data using a unified system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If a radio altimeter is installed on the aircraft, then altitude information is available, but additional holes must be provided through the fuselage for antenna installation
Solution Approach 1:
The existing weather radar antenna serves dual purposes: weather detection and altitude measurement. This eliminates the need for additional antenna holes in the fuselage, as the same antenna aperture is used for both functions through signal processing differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing weather radar system's antenna and signal processing infrastructure are utilized to provide altitude measurement functionality, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate hardware installations or fuselage modifications.
3Reliability
If a dedicated radio altimeter system is implemented, then reliable altitude data is provided, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weather radar system's existing electronics and signal processing capabilities are leveraged to provide altitude measurement, eliminating the need for separate altimeter electronics, antennas, and processing systems while maintaining reliable altitude data through proven radar technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the altitude measurement function into the weather radar's existing signal processing pipeline, combining multiple functions (weather detection, ground mapping, and altitude measurement) into a single integrated system that reduces overall complexity and component count.
4Device complexity
If weather radar system is used for altitude determination, then existing avionic systems are utilized without additional hardware, but the system must process and differentiate ground returns from weather returns
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing applies different detection criteria and algorithms specifically tailored for ground return identification, distinguishing ground targets from weather returns based on their distinct radar signature characteristics such as reflectivity patterns, angular distribution, and temporal behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical hardware differentiation (separate antennas or sensors) with signal processing and algorithmic methods to distinguish ground returns from weather returns, using computational techniques to analyze radar return characteristics and identify ground-based targets.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and reliable method for determining aircraft altitude, utilizing existing avionic systems to confirm or replace radio altimeter data, enhancing safety by integrating altitude information into weather radar systems.
Implementation Method 1
The weather radar system includes electronics for receiving radar returns and determining an altitude above ground level of the aircraft using return data derived from the radar returns
Data Source
AI summary
A weather radar system improves electronics for receiving radar returns. The weather radar system determines an altitude above ground level using return data derived from the weather radar returns. The weather radar system can utilize movement data related to movement of the aircraft to calculate the altitude. In addition, the weather radar system can utilize previous calculations of the altitude to determine the current altitude underneath the aircraft. The weather radar system can reduce the need for a radio altimeter.