Aircraft Control Allocation Using Local Force and Moment Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of allocating force and moment commands on aircraft with multi-purpose control effectors leads to memory limitations and increased computational complexity, especially in vertical take-off and landing aircraft with nonlinear and coupled aerodynamic phenomena.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that breaks down the global force and/or moment allocation problem into multiple local force and/or moment allocation problems, allowing for simpler control allocation by determining local force contributions from each control effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a global control allocation algorithm is used to allocate force and moment commands on aircraft with multi-purpose control effectors, then accurate control is achieved, but memory consumption exceeds limitations and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the global control allocation problem into multiple local control allocation problems. Instead of computing a single global allocation that considers all control effectors simultaneously, the system segments the problem by creating separate local allocation algorithms for different groups of control effectors. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity and memory requirements while maintaining control accuracy through coordinated execution of local allocations.
2Reliability
If a global control allocation algorithm is used to capture nonlinear and coupled aerodynamic phenomena, then accurate control is achieved, but the complexity of the algorithm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex global allocation algorithm into multiple simpler local allocation algorithms. Each local algorithm handles a specific subset of control effectors and their associated aerodynamic phenomena, making them computationally more manageable while collectively capturing the nonlinear and coupled effects through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the control allocation problem by adding the concept of local allocation zones or regions. Instead of treating the control allocation as a single monolithic problem in one dimension, the system creates multiple local problems that can be solved independently and then integrated, effectively adding a spatial or functional dimension to the allocation process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer implemented method for controlling an aircraft, the aircraft having multiple control effectors, the method comprising: determining a global force and/or moment allocation required to control movement of the aircraft, the global force and/or moment allocation relating to a net force and/or moment to act on the aircraft; determining a local force and/or moment allocation, the local force and/or moment allocation relating to a force and/or moment contribution to the net force provided by at least one of the control effectors; and controlling at least one of the control effectors to generate the determined local force and/or moment. The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising a processor and memory storing computer code which, when executed on the processor, performs the method.