Innovation takes off with Georgia Southern University, where newly patented technology aims to revolutionize the safety of plane tracks.
TXU 2-444-239.
This recording number will not mean much for most people. But for Georgia Southern University Mechanical Engineering Professor Valentin Soloiu, Ph.D.and former student David Ortegon (’23), it is a step towards sailing and validation of safer track for countless hours spent in the laboratory.
The two received a patent by the American copyright office, recognizing them as creators of a technical system which offers advanced safety characteristics for airplane systems monitoring track navigation.
“We started working on these years, when Dr Soloiu launched the smart vehicle laboratory,” said Ortegon. “It was very interested in finding a way to reduce collisions or accidents of planes during navigation and track taxi, which is now extremely relevant.”
The system uses data output from integrated sensors that constantly record environmental data and the plane envelope. These data generate security warnings or may take proactive measures if obstacles are detected, helping the pilot avoid potential collisions.
Soloiu attributes to Ortegon the lifting of heavy on research. The two worked together for three years, filling Ortegon’s dreams of childhood to make such a big craft to stay in the sky.
“I always wanted to understand engineering behind this,” he said. “It has always been one of my dreams of understanding the work of planes.”
Ortegon, originally from Colombia, came to Georgia Southern in 2017 to continue a baccalaureate in mechanical engineering. Soloiu, impressed by the tenacity and dedication of Ortegon to his studies, conceded him as he acclimated to his new house.
“English is not my first language,” said Ortegon. “I had a lot of trouble trying to understand everything in a technical way because there was a lot of terminology which, for me, was completely abstract. Doctor Soloiu supported me in everything. ”
When the project started in 2020, Ortegon had to balance many research responsibilities with an ever increasing workload.
“The process was slow, but very meticulous,” he said. “But I am very proud to say that we were able to accomplish what we wanted.”
Ortegan and Soloiu have developed meticulously complex algorithms focusing on advanced driving assistance characteristics. This allowed them to ensure that the landing gear system has not only detected obstacles, but also took corrective measures in an emergency.
“The next step is to develop a product or service that will incorporate this new technology,” said Soloiu. “We will work to meet market needs by preparing this technology for marketing.”
Ortegon has since graduated and has moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he works in the research and development of automated / intelligent navigation technologies at Fev North America, a leader in American automotive industry. He attributes his professional success to his advanced research in the laboratories of Dr Soloiu.
“Research is what really helped me get to the higher level as an engineer,” he said. “But Soloiu prepared me to work in this industry. He supported me in each project that I have undertaken. It was because of his mentoring that I obtained a simulation and a practical experimental experience in the laboratory. And to date, I always feel like I have never left Georgia Southern’s laboratory. ”