Weather Radar Terrain Elevation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terrain warning systems rely on outdated terrain databases, leading to potential false alarms and missed hazards due to inaccuracies and the lack of real-time terrain elevation data, particularly for man-made objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an aircraft's weather radar system to sense and store terrain elevation data in real-time or pseudo-real-time, integrating this data into a terrain avoidance system for accurate and low-cost terrain elevation estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional terrain databases are used, then the system structure is simple, but the terrain elevation data accuracy deteriorates due to outdated information
Solution Approach 1:
The weather radar system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its traditional weather detection function and a new terrain elevation sensing function. The same radar hardware and processing infrastructure are utilized for dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated terrain sensing equipment while improving terrain data accuracy through real-time measurements
2Reliability
If real-time terrain elevation sensing is implemented, then the hazard detection capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes its own existing weather radar infrastructure to serve the additional function of terrain elevation sensing. The radar hardware, signal processing capabilities, and data management systems already present on the aircraft are repurposed to generate real-time terrain data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems and reducing overall complexity while improving reliability
3Reliability
If outdated terrain database information is used, then the system cost is low, but false alarms increase and hazard detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own weather radar capabilities to generate and update terrain elevation data autonomously during flight operations. This self-updating mechanism eliminates the need for expensive external data services or frequent database updates while providing current, accurate terrain information that reduces false alarms and improves hazard detection reliability
4Measurement precision
If conventional terrain warning systems are used, then the system complexity is low, but the real-time terrain elevation estimation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The weather radar system performs dual functions: traditional weather detection and real-time terrain elevation estimation. By making the existing radar system multi-functional, the patent achieves precise real-time terrain measurements without adding separate dedicated terrain sensing equipment, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing increases in system complexity
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 approach provides accurate, real-time terrain elevation data, reducing false alarms and improving the detection of hazards, thereby enhancing the safety of aircraft operations by using existing onboard systems for terrain avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
The processor uses weather radar returns received from the antenna to determine terrain elevation data
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft weather radar system can be used with a terrain avoidance system to provide a terrain database. The weather radar system includes a processor and/or other electronics coupled to an antenna. The processor determines terrain data based on weather radar returns received from the antenna. The processor can utilize a variety of techniques for determining terrain data or estimates.