Aircraft collision avoidance system

An aircraft collision avoidance system comprising (a) at least one separation monitoring device connectable to at least a portion of an aircraft, the separation monitoring device comprising (1) at least one transmitter and (2) at least one receiver and (b) a master unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to aircraft collision avoidance systems and, more particularly, to an aircraft collision avoidance system which is designed to minimize and/or eliminate damage to an aircraft during ground transportation of the same to and/or from, for example, a hangar or other facility.

2. Background Art

Collision avoidance systems have been known in the aviation industry for years. While collision avoidance systems have been known in the art, issues relative to system portability and multi-aircraft usability remain largely problematic.

Aircraft are typically stored in hangars or outside along other aircraft. A common problem in transporting aircraft from a hangar to the tarmac, and vice-versa, is a phenomenon known as “hangar rash.” Hangar rash is caused by improper ground handling of an aircraft and commonly occurs when the aircraft is being pushed or pulled from the hanger by a vehicle, such as a tractor. An inattentive or careless tractor operator may inadvertently cause a wing, horizontal stabilizer, and/or vertical stabilizer of the aircraft to contact, for example, another aircraft, a hanger wall, and/or a hanger door—causing extremely expensive and potentially catastrophic damage to the aircraft.

Some aircraft are provided with collision warning devices fabricated into the wings, stabilizers and/or nose cones of the aircraft. These devices suffer from numerous drawbacks including, but not limited to, the fact that the devices are integral instruments of the aircraft. Typically, this means that an individual operating the collision warning device must possess required FAA certifications which are necessary to legally operate the plane itself in order to operate the collision warning devices.

Thus the need exists for an aircraft collision avoidance system, which is portable and facilitates rapid installation, removal, and use of the collision avoidance system toward multi-aircraft utilization and avoidance of strict FAA certifications associated with collision avoidance systems which are fully integrated into an aircraft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment the present invention is directed to an aircraft collision avoidance system comprising: (a) at least one separation monitoring device connectable to at least a portion of an aircraft, the separation monitoring device comprising: (1) at least one transmitter capable of selectively transmitting signals which are reflected off of an object and received by at least one receiver, the reflected signals defining a separation distance between the at least one receiver and the object and wherein the at least one transmitter outputs a separation distance signal representative of the separation distance; and (b) a master unit for receiving and analyzing the separation distance signals output by the at least one transmitter and outputting a warning signal to a warning device when the at least one separation monitoring device is within a predetermined distance from the object.

In another embodiment the present invention is directed to an aircraft collision avoidance system, comprising: (a) at least one wireless transceiver capable of selectively transmitting signals and receiving signals which are reflected back to the wireless transceiver off of an object in order to define a separation distance between the wireless transceiver and the object and wherein the wireless transceiver outputs a separation distance signal representative of the separation distance; and (b) a master unit for receiving and analyzing the separation distance signals output by the wireless transceiver, the master unit outputting a warning signal to a warning device when the wireless transceiver is within a predetermined distance from an object.

In yet another embodiment, a separation monitoring device is disposed on at least one of a wing and a horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft and the master unit communicates with the separation monitoring device to monitor the position of at least one of the wing and the horizontal stabilizer of the aircraft relative to an object.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one separation monitoring device is connected to at least a portion of at least one of a wing and a horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft, wherein the at least one separation monitoring device transmits signals in an arcuate pattern both horizontally and substantially co-planar to at least one of the wing and the horizontal stabilizer and receives signals reflected off of an object and outputs a separation distance signal representing the separation distance between the object and the at least one separation monitoring device.

In another embodiment, the at least one separation monitoring device is connected to at least a portion of at least one of a wing and a horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft, wherein the at least one separation monitoring device transmits and receives signals both vertically and substantially perpendicularly to at least one of the wing and the horizontal stabilizer and outputs a separation distance signal.

In accordance with the present invention, each wing, each horizontal stabilizer, each vertical stabilizer, at least a portion of a fuselage of an aircraft, and/or a tug/vehicle comprise at least one separation monitoring device.

In yet another embodiment, when at least one of the wings of the aircraft are within a predetermined distance away from an object, the master unit communicates a warning to an individual so as to prevent collisions between at least one of the wings of the aircraft and an object.

In one embodiment of the present invention the warning device comprises a speaker capable of communicating an audible warning when the warning device receives warning signals from the master unit.

In yet another embodiment, when the separation distance between the separation monitoring device and the object decreases the audible warning increases in decibel level.

In another embodiment, the warning device of the master unit comprises a visual display communicating a visible warning.

In accordance with the present invention, the visual display comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes which are illuminated when the master unit communicates a warning signal to the warning device.

In a preferred embodiment, the master unit is in electrical communication with a vehicle utilized to translate the aircraft.

In yet another embodiment, when the at least one transceiver is within a collision distance the master unit automatically stops the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the master unit comprises a communicator device selected from the group consisting of: a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, or a global positioning device.

In accordance with the present invention, the at least one separation monitoring device and the master unit communicate wirelessly via at least one wireless communication protocol, wherein the at least one communication protocol is selected from the group consisting of: Infrared, Bluetooth, Radio Frequencies or Wi-Fi.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an aircraft collision avoidance system for monitoring the position of at least a portion of an aircraft relative to an object, the system comprising: (a) at least one separation monitoring device connected to at least a portion the aircraft, the separation monitoring device comprising: (1) at least one transceiver, the transceiver capable of transmitting signals and receiving signals which are reflected back to the transceiver off of at least a portion of the object to define a separation distance and wherein the at least one transceiver wirelessly outputs a separation distance signal; and (b) a master unit for receiving and analyzing the separation distance signals output by the at least one transceiver and outputting a warning signal to a warning device when the at least one transceiver is within a predetermined distance from the object.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the object is a door of a hangar.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the object is another aircraft.

In accordance with the present invention, each wing and each horizontal stabilizer and at least a portion of a fuselage of an aircraft comprise at least one separation monitoring device.

In yet another embodiment, the master unit is electrical communication with a vehicle utilized to move or displace the aircraft.

In accordance with the present invention, when the at least one transceiver is within a collision distance the master unit automatically stops the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters.

Referring now to the drawings and toFIGS. 1 and 2collectively, an aircraft collision avoidance system10is shown in association with an aircraft14located in a hangar18. Generally, the arrows shown inFIGS. 1 and 2represent the direction of signal transmission although some devices may be capable of two way communication. More specifically, the aircraft collision avoidance system10comprises at least one separation monitoring device22and a master unit26. The separation monitoring device22comprises at least one transmitter30which is capable of transmitting a signal34(e.g. an ultrasonic signal). When the signal34is reflected off of an object, for example, a hangar door38, the signal34is then received by a receiver42. The signal34may be transmitted in a substantially arcuate pattern covering an arc having an angle of θ degrees. The angle of θ degrees may preferably cover an area, which is at least as wide as the terminal end32of the wing36of the aircraft14. The distance between the hangar door38and the receiver42is known as a separation distance46. The transmitter30then outputs a separation distance signal50that includes data representative of the separation distance46.

It will be understood that the separation monitoring device22may comprise a plurality of transmitters30and receivers42to cover a larger area. The separation monitoring device22preferably comprises a housing44for enclosing the aforementioned parts30and42. The housing44is preferably fabricated from any one of a number of materials, including, but not limited to, a resin and/or polymer, a metal or alloy, a fiberglass material, a natural product such as wood, or any combinations thereof. The separation monitoring device22also preferably comprises a releasable securement member47(seeFIG. 4) for connecting the housing44to at least a portion of an aircraft14and/or vehicle110. The releasable securement member47may include, for example, a suction cup, or a removable adhesive disposed between the housing44and the aircraft14.

The separation monitoring device22further comprises a microprocessor54for controlling the transmitter30and receiver42and an energy storage device58(e.g. a primary and/or secondary battery). The energy storage device58provides electrical energy to the separation monitoring device22.

The master unit26generally comprises a receiver62, a computer unit66, a warning device70and an energy storage device74. The master unit preferably comprises a housing72for enclosing the aforementioned parts62,66,70and74. The housing72is preferably fabricated from any one of a number of materials, including, but not limited to a resin and/or polymer, a metal or alloy, a fiberglass material, a natural product such as wood, or any combinations thereof.

The receiver62is preferably provided to receive separation distance signals50communicated by the transmitter30of the separation monitoring device22and communicate the separation distance signals50to the computer unit66. The computer unit66is shown as preferably comprising the same components as a typical computer, for example, a memory78and a processing unit82. The computer unit66is programmed to analyze the separation distance signals50and compare them to at least one of a predetermined distance and a collision distance stored within the memory78of the computer unit66. When the computer unit66determines that the separation monitoring device22is within the predetermined distance, the computer unit66communicates a warning signal94to the warning device70. The predetermined distance may be selectable by utilizing an optional interface80located on the master unit26. Also, the predetermined distance and collision distances may be hard coded into the master unit26and stored in the memory78. By way of non-limiting example, the predetermined distance may include distance of, for example, one meter. When the separation monitoring device22is within one meter of the hangar door38or any other object, the master unit outputs a warning signal94to the warning device70. It will be understood that the predetermined distance may include, for example, one meter, although any distance or range of distances may be utilized. The collision distance is preferably defined as a distance at which there is a material possibility of a collision, such as, for example, six inches. When the computer unit66determines that the separation monitoring device22is within the collision distance, the computer unit66communicates a collision signal98to the warning device70.

The warning device70comprises, for example an audio device which preferably comprises a speaker102(seeFIG. 5) that communicates an audible warning at a sufficient frequency and decibel level so as to alert an individual of an impending collision. Also, the warning device70may communicate an increasing or decreasing audible warning depending on the separation distance46that is communicated to the master unit26. For example, as the separation distance46decreases, the volume of the audio warning from the warning device70will preferably increase in decibel level.

The warning device70may also preferably comprise a visual display106comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes that illuminate to alert an individual of an impending collision. The greater the number of light emitting diodes that are illuminated, the greater the risk of a collision. Other visual displays may include, but are not limited to, a closed circuit video display. Also, as with the separation monitoring device22, to power all the constituent parts of the master unit26, the energy storage device98, for example, a battery, communicates electrical energy to the master unit26.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the separation monitoring device22may comprise a transceiver106(seeFIG. 3) or plurality of transceivers which both transmit and receive signals and output separation distance signals50representative of the separation distance46between, for example, the hangar door38and the separation monitoring device22.

The master unit26may be connectable, either electrically and/or mechanically to a vehicle110and at least partially control the vehicle110. The vehicle110is preferably used to push and/or pull the aircraft14out of the hanger18. When the separation monitoring device22disposed on at least a portion of the aircraft14is within the collision distance, the warning device70communicates a stop signal to the vehicle110which causes the vehicle110to stop.

The master unit26may comprise, for example, a handheld unit, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, and/or a laptop computer—although anyone of a number of types of communication devices capable of receiving signals from the separation monitoring device22and communicating a warning to an operator of the vehicle110that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art with the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use with the present invention. It will be understood that the master unit26may be fabricated as an integral part of the vehicle110.

The master unit26may preferably communicate with the at least one separation monitoring device22via the receiver62over a variety of different wireless communication protocols, for example, Wi-Fi signals (e.g., 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, etcetera), infrared signals, Bluetooth signals, radio frequencies (e.g., 900 Mhz, 1.8 GHz, etcetera) or combinations thereof.

If the separation monitoring device22communicates infrared signals, the receiver62of the master unit26should preferably comprise an infrared sensor. Likewise, if the separation monitoring device22communicates Bluetooth signals, the receiver62of the master unit26should preferably comprise a Bluetooth sensor. Furthermore, if the separation monitoring device22communicates radio frequency signals, the receiver62of the master unit26should preferably comprise a radio frequency antenna. Lastly, if the separation monitoring device22communicates Wi-Fi signals, the receiver62of the master unit26should preferably comprise a Wi-Fi antenna.

In operation, the plane14is provided with a plurality of separation monitoring devices22. Each of the terminal ends32of the wings36of the aircraft14preferably comprise separation monitoring devices22connected thereto. Also, the terminal ends126of the horizontal stabilizers130preferably comprise separation monitoring devices22connected thereto. The separation monitoring devices22communicate signals34horizontally and substantially co-planar to the wings36and horizontal stabilizers130, respectively. The signals134may be transmitted in an arcuate pattern covering an arc having an angle of θ degrees. The angle of θ degrees may preferably cover an area that is at least as wide as the terminal ends32of the wings36and the terminal ends126of the horizontal stabilizers130of the aircraft14. The signals34reflect off of the hangar door38back towards the separation monitoring device22that transmitted the signal. If one of the separation monitoring devices22communicates a separation distance signal50that is analyzed by the master unit26and determined to be within the predetermined distance from the hangar door38, the separation monitoring device22communicates a warning signal94to the master unit26associated with the vehicle110. The master unit26displays a visual and/or audible warning to the operator of the vehicle110notifying them that the aircraft14is too close to the hangar door38.

If the operator ignores the visual and/or audible warning, and one of the separation monitoring devices22communicates a separation distance signal50that is analyzed by the master unit and determined to be within the collision distance, the master unit26sends an electrical signal to the vehicle110that preferably stops the vehicle110.