Active-Feedback Remote Controller for VTOL Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft, such as helicopters and tiltrotors, lack the forward airspeed of fixed-wing aircraft and often require manual control systems that do not provide intuitive feedback to operators, especially in autonomous modes.
Innovation Solution
A remote control unit with active feedback that includes actuators to adjust control elements based on the aircraft's operational state, providing tactile feedback to the operator and ensuring smooth transitions between manual and autonomous modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control systems are used for VTOL aircraft, then operator control is maintained, but intuitive feedback to operators is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active feedback by using actuators to physically move control elements on the remote controller in response to received control signals from the aircraft. This creates tactile feedback that informs the operator about the aircraft's operational state, directly resolving the contradiction by providing intuitive feedback while maintaining manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary between the aircraft's control signals and the operator's control elements. It translates electronic control signals into physical movements of control elements, providing a tactile interface that bridges the gap between manual control and automated response, thereby improving intuitive feedback.
2Productivity
If autonomous operations mode is used, then forward airspeed and efficiency are improved, but control responsiveness and operator awareness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The active feedback system provides continuous tactile information to the operator about the aircraft's state even in autonomous mode. The actuators move control elements to reflect current operational parameters, maintaining operator awareness and control responsiveness while the aircraft operates autonomously at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are made dynamically responsive through the actuator system, which can adjust their position in real-time based on received control signals. This dynamic adjustment maintains control responsiveness across different operational modes, allowing smooth transitions between manual and autonomous operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mode transitions between manual and autonomous are implemented, then operational versatility is improved, but sudden response changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system provides dynamic control element positioning that adapts to different operational modes. During mode transitions, the actuators continuously adjust control element positions to reflect the aircraft's state, preventing sudden response changes and ensuring stable control characteristics across mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The active feedback system anticipates mode transitions by continuously providing tactile feedback about the aircraft's state. This allows the operator to gradually adjust to changing operational parameters before fully transitioning between modes, cushioning the transition and preventing abrupt response changes.
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.