Aircraft Climb Speed Control Using Flight Data Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft operate inefficiently during climb and descent phases due to fixed airspeeds determined by generic methods, leading to increased fuel burn and costs, which do not account for individual aircraft variations and retrofit changes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using onboard sensors to collect and analyze flight data to determine efficient climb and descent phase parameters, including generating neural network models for each aircraft to optimize speed and fuel efficiency, thereby adjusting flight operations based on actual performance rather than generic standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed airspeed is used during climb phase based on general class aircraft, then operational simplicity is maintained, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the airspeed parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that is dynamically adjusted based on individual aircraft characteristics, flight conditions, and performance data. This allows each aircraft to operate at its optimal speed during climb phase, improving fuel efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual flight data from individual aircraft during climb operations and using this information to update and refine the optimized airspeed profiles. This closed-loop approach ensures that the system adapts to real-world performance variations and maintains optimal fuel efficiency over time.
2Ease of operation
If fixed airspeed is used during climb phase, then operational simplicity is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the climb airspeed from a static parameter to a dynamic parameter that varies based on aircraft-specific characteristics, environmental conditions, and real-time performance data. This optimization reduces unnecessary fuel consumption while keeping the system simple to operate through automated management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamics to the previously static airspeed parameter by continuously adjusting it based on live flight data and aircraft performance variations. This dynamic approach allows the aircraft to operate at optimal speeds under varying conditions, reducing fuel consumption without complicating operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If speed mapping is based on prior test aircraft, then initial setup is simplified, but accuracy deteriorates when aircraft are retrofitted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from actual flight data to continuously update and refine the speed mapping for each aircraft. When aircraft are retrofitted with aerodynamic surfaces or other modifications, the system automatically detects and adapts to the new performance characteristics, maintaining high accuracy without requiring manual remapping or complex setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-updating by automatically adjusting the speed mapping based on observed flight performance data. This eliminates the need for manual intervention when aircraft configurations change, allowing the system to maintain accuracy autonomously while keeping the initial setup simple.
4Stability of the object's composition
If generic speed determination is used for fleet, then operational consistency is maintained, but individual aircraft optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the airspeed optimization to each individual aircraft's specific characteristics, performance profile, and operational history. This allows each aircraft to operate at its unique optimal speed while the overall system maintains consistency through standardized optimization methods and automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the airspeed parameter from a fleet-wide fixed value to aircraft-specific variable values based on individual performance data. This enables optimization for each aircraft while maintaining operational consistency through automated management and standardized optimization algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for operating an aircraft during a descent phase of flight include a control unit configured to receive data regarding one or both of a current flight or one or more previous flights of the aircraft from one or more sensors of the aircraft. The control unit is further configured to determine efficient descent phase parameters for the aircraft based on the data. The aircraft is operated during the descent phase of one or both of the current flight or one or more future flights according to the efficient descent phase parameters.