Modular LIDAR Altimeter for Aircraft

Abstract

This invention involves a modular LIDAR altimeter for aircraft to aid in navigation. Principally, this invention gathers altimetric readings that are more highly accurate than traditional data typically available to the average pilot. The modular LIDAR altimeter is designed to be easily attached to and detached from the outside of the aircraft, resulting in no modifications to the aircraft itself. The invention uses a LIDAR to perform ranging measurements enclosed in a container consisting of all the components necessary for its operation. Data from the modular LIDAR altimeter is wirelessly transmitted to be interpreted by a separate device.

Claims

1. A device that is capable of measuring altitude above ground level comprising: a laser measuring instrument, commonly referred to as a LIDAR a method of rotating the LIDAR to point towards the ground a method of attaching the device to the aircraft without specialized tools or modifying the aircraft itself a component to wirelessly transmit and receive data a microcontroller a battery pack a power switch.

2. The device of claim 1 which contains a LIDAR unit which measures the distance from the aircraft to the ground.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is designed to be mounted to the exterior of the aircraft giving the LIDAR an unimpeded view of the ground.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the device is designed to be mounted with easily releasable hardware to secure the device to the outside of the aircraft.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein the LIDAR can be manipulated to point towards the ground regardless of the angle of installation of the device.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein there exists an onboard microcontroller to function the device.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein there exists a wireless transceiver to transmit and receive data.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the modular LIDAR altimeter for aircraft from the front left side.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the electronic housing from the bottom right side.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the connections of the various electronic components.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an aircraft equipped with the modular LIDAR altimeter. The cartesian coordinate system displayed with the aircraft is meant to be for reference only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The invention described herein will be understood by reference to the following detailed description. This description is meant to be aided by and read in conjunction with the related drawings. It is expected that the following detailed description of assorted embodiments is to make an example of only and is not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. The inventor anticipates that such variations may include utilizing some or all of the various aspects of the present invention, stating alone, or in combinations other than expressly disclosed herein with respect to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited or suggested herein as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0021] The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in describing the invention are to be interpreted to cover both singular and plural forms, unless otherwise indicated or contraindicated by the context. The terms “having,” “including,” and “containing,” are to be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., “including, but not limited to.”) unless otherwise noted. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “Such as”) provided is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. It is also to be understood that the terminology used is used to describe certain embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the modular LIDAR altimeter device 113. This device includes the electronic housing 101, a leveling mechanism 102, a rotational mechanism 103, an aircraft attachment block 104, an aircraft attachment strap 105, and an aircraft attachment clip 106.

[0023] In FIG. 2 it is illustrated that the LIDAR 107 is installed inside the electronic housing 101 in a manner that the LIDAR 107 can emit its laser downward through the bottom of the housing without interference.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the electronic connections necessary for the modular LIDAR altimeter. The LIDAR 107 emits electromagnetic radiation and measures the time of flight for the radiation to return from the reflected object, thereby measuring the distance. The microcontroller 111 controls the timing of the LIDARs 107 pulses, receives signals from the LIDAR 107, and interprets those signals. This information is passed on to the wireless transceiver 110 which sends signals wirelessly to a user device. Signals can also be received by the transceiver 110 so that commands may be given to the microcontroller 111. The electric battery pack 108 provides power to the electronic components. The battery pack 108 may consist of either rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries of varying chemistries. The on/off switch 119 determines whether or not the electronic components receive power from the electric battery 108. The microcontroller 111 is capable of sending and receiving data to both the transceiver 110 and the LIDAR 107. In this capacity, the microcontroller may instruct the LIDAR 107 to power off so as to save battery life. Data transmitted from the transceiver 110 may be read by a purpose-built device designed to interpret the data, a smartphone with an appropriate application, or other such devices.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of the modular LIDAR altimeter device 113 when attached to the aircraft 114

[0026] The rotational mechanism 103 works by allowing the electronic housing 101 to be rotated so as to allow the LIDAR 107 to be directed straight downwards in relation to the aircraft 114. The accuracy of the rotation of the device can be gauged by a level mechanism 102 which will allow the user to determine true level without the use of additional tools. This could be done with the use of a common bubble level. Some iterations of this invention could foreseeably use an electronic gyroscope/accelerometer to more accurately determine true level. The ability to rotate the device and to find true level are important for the modularity of the device, as this allows the user to install and remove the device correctly at will without having to use additional tools.

[0027] The rotational mechanism 103 rotates about one axis, in this instance the X-axis visible on the cartesian coordinate system 119 seen in FIG. 4. This is possible when mounting to a surface that is parallel to the direction of travel of the aircraft, such as the aerodynamic profile of a wing strut 115. While the wing strut member is not parallel with the aircraft in other axes, this is not necessary as long as the LIDAR can be assured to point straight downwards in relation to the aircraft. In cases where proper surfaces cannot be found to mount the modular LIDAR altimeter 113 that allow for the rotation of the device about one axis to allow for proper orientation of the LIDAR 107 then the rotation mechanism 103 may be modified to allow for rotation in more than one axis.

[0028] The modular LIDAR altimeter in FIG. 1 is shown with an attachment strap 105 and attachment clip 106 to secure the attachment block 104 to the aircraft 114. Multiple straps/clips could be possibly be used to further secure the device. The illustration is meant to be demonstrative, and not limiting the attachment mechanism of the modular LIDAR altimeter 113. One could imagine instead replacing the strap 105 with a screw tensioning device whereby the aircraft wing strut 115 would be sandwiched between two appropriately shaped plates. One could also imagine that instead of these options that there exists a suction cup to secure the device to some suitable portion of the aircraft. Again, these descriptions are meant to be demonstrative and not limiting to the attachment mechanism.

[0029] The attachment block 104 shown in FIG. 1 shows a profile to fit the profile of a wing strut 115. This illustration is meant to be demonstrative, and not limiting the attachment block of the modular LIDAR altimeter 113. One could imagine instead that the contour of the attachment block 104 could match the profile of the strut of a landing gear leg 116, or another easily accessible hardpoint on the aircraft, provided that attaching the modular LIDAR altimeter at the location would not prevent proper operation of the aircraft.

[0030] The attachment block 104 should be constructed of a material the exhibits a high coefficient of friction with the material that it is being attached to. Typically, aircraft hardware is made of aluminum, so a rubber type material would be a suitable choice for the attachment block 104. This material must also be able to withstand the aerodynamic forces of flight, as well as being resistant to the elements.

[0031] The electronic housing 101 should be shaped in an aerodynamic manner so as to allow for the least resistance when the aircraft is in flight. Similarly, the size of the modular LIDAR altimeter 113 should be as small as possible while not degrading the capabilities of the device. The electronic housing 101 should be constructed of a material that is structurally strong, transparent to electromagnetic radiation of the transceiver, water tolerant. With these characteristics in mind, high strength plastics such as nylon, or composites such as fiberglass or carbon fiber would be ideal choices. One skilled in the practice of such arts will realize that there are many alternatives and derivatives to the choices listed here, and this list is not meant to be conclusive.

[0032] The LIDAR 107 is shown pointing straight down in relation to the aircraft and emitting laser radiation 112 while operating. In flight, there will be instances where the LIDAR 107 will not be pointed directly perpendicular to the ground. Such instances are small when approaching for a landing, where this information is most useful to a pilot. In normal flight, these instances are larger, and will more proportionately affect the ranging of the LIDAR 107. The microcontroller may contain an electronic gyroscope/accelerometer to measure the aircraft 114 position with respect to its orientation above the ground. These measurements could be used along with the LIDAR 107 range data to triangulate the true altitude of the aircraft above the ground. Additionally, the LIDAR 107 could be mounted on a gimbal to reduce its susceptibility to aircraft maneuvers.