Onboard Weather Radar Verification Using NEXRAD Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weather radars face challenges in distinguishing between weather and terrain radar returns, especially at the effective range limits, leading to difficulties in accurately detecting hazardous weather conditions due to signal ambiguity and blockages by terrain.
Innovation Solution
An onboard weather radar system that integrates ground-based weather radar information to differentiate between weather and terrain returns by comparing received radar return locations with corresponding locations in the ground-based data, utilizing an onboard processing system and transceiver to verify the presence of weather and correct radar return identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the radar range is extended to detect weather at farther extents, then the detection range is improved, but the ability to distinguish between weather radar returns and terrain radar returns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines onboard weather radar with ground-based NEXRAD system to create a hybrid detection system. The ground-based radar provides additional detection capability beyond the onboard radar horizon while maintaining accurate weather identification through its higher elevation angle capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database containing ground-based radar information as an intermediary to verify and supplement onboard radar returns. This database acts as a mediator that helps distinguish between weather and terrain returns by providing independent verification data from ground-based systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radar signal is emitted at higher angles to detect weather beyond terrain blockages, then the detection capability beyond mountains is improved, but the signal strength and detection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple radar systems (onboard and ground-based) to overcome terrain blockages. The ground-based NEXRAD system provides detection capability for weather beyond mountain ranges by emitting signals from different locations, compensating for the onboard radar's limited ability to see over terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional detection system that can operate in different modes: using onboard radar for near-range detection, ground-based radar for far-range and over-terrain detection, and the database for verification. This universal system adapts to various detection scenarios including mountainous terrain and different flight phases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft altitude is reduced for takeoff or landing, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the radar range is limited by the closer earth horizon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground-based NEXRAD system and database as intermediaries to provide long-range weather detection capability during takeoff and landing phases. When onboard radar range is limited due to low altitude, the system queries the database for ground-based radar information to detect weather beyond the onboard radar horizon.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary queries to the database for ground-based radar information before relying on onboard radar detection. This allows the system to prepare weather awareness information in advance, especially important during critical phases like approach and landing where radar range is naturally limited.
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
Enhances the ability to distinguish between weather and terrain radar returns, providing more accurate and reliable weather information to aircraft or marine vessel crews, even beyond the effective range of the onboard radar, thereby improving response times to adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an onboard weather radar antenna operable to detect a radar return from weather and from terrain
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods distinguish weather radar returns from terrain radar returns. An exemplary embodiment receives a radar return from a weather radar system on board an installation vehicle, receives ground-based weather radar information, compares a location of the radar return received from the onboard weather radar system with a corresponding location in the received ground-based, and determines that the radar return received from the onboard weather radar system is a weather radar return when a location in the received ground-based weather radar information indicates a presence of weather at the location of the radar return.