Adaptive EGPWS for VTOL Aircraft Flight Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current enhanced ground proximity warning systems (EGPWS) are not adaptable to operate effectively in both helicopter and fixed-wing modes of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, leading to inconsistent warning thresholds and potential safety risks during transitions between flight phases.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an EGPWS, sensors, and a processor that selectively operates as a helicopter EGPWS or a fixed-wing EGPWS based on aircraft flight parameters, such as thrust vector or phase of flight, allowing the system to adjust warning thresholds accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the EGPWS uses fixed warning thresholds configured for fixed-wing aircraft, then the system is simple to operate, but it triggers false alerts during helicopter mode operations at lower altitudes and in congested areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of EGPWS operationVSAvoidaccuracy of terrain conflict warnings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The EGPWS system dynamically adjusts warning thresholds based on the detected flight mode (helicopter or fixed-wing). The processor monitors flight parameters and automatically switches between helicopter mode thresholds (lower altitudes, more congested areas) and fixed-wing mode thresholds (higher altitudes, less congested areas), allowing the system to adapt its characteristics to match current operational conditions without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the warning threshold parameters based on flight mode. In helicopter mode, the EGPWS uses lower altitude thresholds and allows flight in more congested areas without triggering alerts. In fixed-wing mode, it uses higher altitude thresholds appropriate for less congested flight operations. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system reliable for both operational modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the EGPWS uses fixed warning thresholds configured for helicopter operations, then the system allows flexible low-altitude flight, but it fails to provide adequate warnings during fixed-wing mode operations at higher altitudes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in flight operationVSAvoidaccuracy of terrain conflict warnings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between helicopter mode and fixed-wing mode configurations based on real-time flight parameter analysis. When fixed-wing mode is detected, the EGPWS automatically transitions to appropriate warning thresholds for higher altitude operations, ensuring reliable terrain conflict warnings while maintaining the ability to operate flexibly in both helicopter and fixed-wing modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The EGPWS adjusts its warning threshold parameters according to the detected flight mode. For helicopter mode, it uses lower altitude thresholds that permit flexible low-altitude flight. For fixed-wing mode, it switches to higher altitude thresholds that provide adequate warnings at cruising altitudes, thus maintaining reliability across different operational modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the EGPWS is configured for helicopter mode with lower altitude thresholds, then the aircraft can operate in congested urban areas, but the system complexity increases to accommodate multiple operating modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to operate in multiple flight modesVSAvoidcomplexity of EGPWS configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The EGPWS system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the flight mode through processor analysis of flight parameters and selectively activating the appropriate warning threshold set (helicopter or fixed-wing mode). This self-service capability allows the system to accommodate multiple operating modes without requiring manual configuration or increasing operational complexity for the pilot

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The EGPWS is designed with universal functionality to operate in both helicopter and fixed-wing modes using a single integrated system. The processor automatically determines the appropriate mode and applies the corresponding warning thresholds, eliminating the need for separate configuration systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability across flight modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11827376B2Enhanced ground proximity warning system that selectively operates in both a helicopter mode and a fixed-wing mode

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A system and method are provided for controlling operations of an enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) disposed within an aircraft that is configured to selectively operate in both a helicopter mode and a fixed-wing mode. A processor processes one or more aircraft flight parameters to determine when the aircraft is operating in the helicopter mode and when the aircraft is operating in the fixed-wing mode. The EGPWS is commanded, via the processor, to operate as a helicopter EGPWS when the aircraft is operating in the helicopter mode, and is commanded, via the processor, to operate as a fixed-wing EGPWS when the aircraft is operating in the fixed-wing mode.