Active-Feedback Remote Controller for Smooth VTOL Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote-control systems for VTOL aircraft lack active feedback, making it difficult for pilots to intuitively control aircraft in autonomous modes and transition between flight modes, which can lead to abrupt responses when taking over from autonomous systems.
Innovation Solution
A remote-control unit with embedded actuators and a processing system that receives operational state signals from the aircraft, generating corresponding control signals to position controls, providing force feedback and stick feel similar to manned aircraft, ensuring smooth transitions between flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If remote-control systems for VTOL aircraft operate in autonomous mode without active feedback, then the system complexity is reduced, but pilot awareness and control responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active feedback by using actuators to physically move the control elements on the remote controller based on the autonomous system's control outputs. This creates a tactile feedback loop where the pilot can feel the control surface movements through the control elements, maintaining situational awareness and control responsiveness even when operating in autonomous mode without requiring complex additional systems
2Ease of operation
If remote-control systems lack active feedback mechanisms, then the ease of operation is improved, but transition smoothness between flight modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism provides continuous tactile information to the pilot about the aircraft's state and control surface positions during mode transitions. This allows the pilot to smoothly transition between manual and autonomous modes by feeling the control element movements, eliminating abrupt responses and ensuring stable transitions without complicating the operation
3Ease of operation
If actuators are added to provide active feedback, then pilot awareness is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators serve multiple functions: they provide tactile feedback to the pilot, replicate control surface movements, and maintain control responsiveness. By making the actuators multi-functional, the patent enhances pilot awareness without requiring additional separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a remote controller for a vehicle includes at least one control element for controlling operation of at least one aspect of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a remote-control mode; an actuator connected the at least one control element for controlling a position of the at least one control element when the vehicle is in an autonomous operations mode; and a processing system for receiving a first control signal from the vehicle indicative of a state of operation of the vehicle. In operation, the processing system generates a second control signal to the actuator to cause the actuator to control a position of the control element such that it corresponds to and indicates the state of operation of the vehicle.