Wingtip Collision Avoidance Radar Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collision avoidance systems for aircraft lack comprehensive three-dimensional obstacle detection, often relying on lateral information only, and may require costly modifications to install radar sensors, which can interfere with wing structures and deicing systems, and may not provide adequate height clearance information.

Innovation Solution

A collision avoidance system utilizing a slotted waveguide radar with integrated transmit and receive antennas, digital beam forming, and substrate integrated waveguide technology, allowing for wireless communication and installation without extensive wiring, providing three-dimensional obstacle detection and notification capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If radar sensors are mounted on the wingtips to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but modifications may interfere with deicing systems, moveable wing structures, and require cables running near or through fuel tanks, impacting safety and aircraft certification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle detection capabilityVSAvoidaircraft safety and certification

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the radar sensor from the wingtip location and relocates it to the vertical stabilizer, eliminating interference with wing deicing systems, moveable structures, and fuel tanks while maintaining obstacle detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary location (vertical stabilizer) that provides radar coverage without conflicting with existing wing systems, serving as a mediator between detection requirements and safety constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If radar sensors are installed with extensive wiring to connect to cockpit displays, then obstacle detection functionality is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle detection functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system, using a transceiver and antenna to transmit radar data to the cockpit display without requiring extensive cable installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes existing aircraft wireless communication infrastructure (transceiver and antenna) for radar data transmission, making the system compatible with standard aircraft electronics without requiring dedicated wiring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If radar sensors provide only lateral location information about obstacles, then system simplicity is maintained, but three-dimensional obstacle awareness including height clearance information is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidthree-dimensional obstacle awareness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds the vertical dimension to obstacle detection by calculating height clearance information from radar range data and obstacle elevation, transforming two-dimensional lateral detection into three-dimensional spatial awareness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables effective three-dimensional obstacle detection and notification, reducing false alarms and installation costs by integrating radar components into a single, lightweight package that can be installed on aircraft without interfering with existing systems, enhancing safety and reducing certification issues.

Implementation Method 1

A collision avoidance system in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure may use radar to detect unwanted objects in a coverage area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

receive from the radar receive antenna radar reflections corresponding to the outputted monopulse radar signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11668817B2Integrated digital active phased array antenna and wingtip collision avoidance system

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A radar system to detect and track objects in three dimensions. The radar system including antennae, transmit, receive and processing electronics is all in a small, lightweight, low-cost, highly integrated package. The radar system uses a wide azimuth, narrow elevation radar pattern to detect objects and a Wi-Fi radio to communicate to one or more receiving and display units. One application may include mounting the radar system in an existing radome on an aircraft to detect and avoid objects during ground operations. Objects may include other moving aircraft, ground vehicles, buildings or other structures that may be in the area. The system may transmit information to both pilot and ground crew.