Aircraft Control Resource Prioritization During Controller Failures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft face challenges in implementing redundant control systems due to increased weight and cost, making it difficult to apply redundant hardware multiplexing, especially in smaller aircraft, and existing techniques like Japanese Patent (JP) No. 5808781 face limitations in data link restrictions and accuracy when using ground facility-controlled flight controllers.
Innovation Solution
A control system for movable bodies that includes multiple controllers and a detector to prioritize functional systems based on movement situations, redistributing control resources from functioning controllers to high-priority systems when malfunctions occur, ensuring continued operation by assigning priorities to flight states and purposes, and utilizing a simplified structure without redundant hardware multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant control devices are installed to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single control device is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically switching between controlling different functional systems based on operational mode. The control device can control flight control systems during flight modes and mission systems during non-flight modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control devices for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements dynamic reconfiguration of control resources based on real-time operational conditions. When a malfunction is detected, the system dynamically redistributes control resources to prioritize critical functions, and the control device switches between different control modes (flight control, mission control, emergency control) based on the current situation.
2Reliability
If control resources are distributed equally to all functional systems, then each system operates normally, but safety cannot be ensured during malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the allocation parameters of control resources dynamically based on operational mode and malfunction conditions. Priority levels assigned to different functional systems are adjusted as parameters according to the current flight phase and system status, allowing critical systems to receive more control resources when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors the operational status of all functional systems and provides feedback on system health. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically detects malfunctions and reconfigures control resource distribution to maintain safety, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.
3Device complexity
If ground facility flight controllers are used, then hardware redundancy is reduced, but data link restrictions and accuracy limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
An onboard control device serves as an intermediary between the aircraft's functional systems and ground facilities. This local control device processes control commands and sensor data onboard, eliminating the need for direct ground facility control while maintaining high accuracy. The intermediary device can operate autonomously or in coordination with ground facilities as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a movable body is mountable on the movable body. The control system includes controllers and a detector. The controllers are configured to control functional systems of the movable body. The detector is configured to detect a movement situation of the movable body. Priorities corresponding to movement situations of the movable body are in advance assigned to each of the plurality of functional systems. When at least one of the plurality of controllers malfunctions, control resources of normal controllers, among the plurality of controllers, which do not malfunction are preferentially distributed to one or more of the functional systems having a high priority according to the movement situation of the movable body at that time.