Aircraft Flyable Slope Calculation Automation

Solution Overview

Problem

Pilots face challenges in calculating the flyable slope of an aircraft, which is crucial for selecting a safe flight procedure, due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of manual calculations involving multiple parameters, leading to potential errors and increased stress during critical flight phases.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that use a computer to determine the flyable slope based on various flight parameters, including weight, altitude, and engine operation, by integrating flight mechanics equations and aerodynamic parameters, and presenting this information to the pilot for accurate decision-making.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calculation methods are used to determine flyable slope, then the pilot can perform the calculation, but the calculation is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflyable slope calculation precisionVSAvoidcalculation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation with an automated computer-based system. The flight management system automatically calculates the flyable slope by processing flight parameters (weight, altitude, engine operation) through integrated flight mechanics equations and aerodynamic parameters, eliminating manual computation while improving precision and reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service calculation where the flight management system automatically determines the flyable slope without requiring pilot intervention for manual computation. The system processes relevant flight parameters and generates the flyable slope value autonomously, freeing the pilot from time-consuming calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual calculation methods are used to determine flyable slope, then the pilot can perform the calculation, but the pilot stress increases during critical flight phases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflyable slope calculation precisionVSAvoidpilot workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation with an automated computer-based system. The flight management system automatically calculates the flyable slope by processing flight parameters (weight, altitude, engine operation) through integrated flight mechanics equations and aerodynamic parameters, eliminating manual computation while improving precision and reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service calculation where the flight management system automatically determines the flyable slope without requiring pilot intervention for manual computation. The system processes relevant flight parameters and generates the flyable slope value autonomously, freeing the pilot from time-consuming calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple flight parameters are considered in the calculation, then the flyable slope determination becomes more accurate, but the calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflyable slope calculation precisionVSAvoidcalculation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flight management system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various flight parameters (weight, altitude, engine operation, aerodynamic characteristics) within a unified calculation framework. The system integrates multiple data sources and processing functions into a single automated flyable slope determination process, managing complexity through systematic organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary processing of flight parameters and pre-computation of aerodynamic characteristics. By preparing and organizing the necessary data and calculation frameworks in advance, the system reduces the complexity of real-time multi-parameter integration while maintaining high calculation precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8849478B2Aircraft piloting assistance method and corresponding device

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 THALES SA

AI summary

An aircraft piloting assistance method and system including determining at least one flyable slope with which the aircraft is assumed to be able to fly, based on a value of at least one flight parameter including the weight of the aircraft. The step for determining said slope or slopes with which the aircraft is able to fly, called flyable slopes is performed by a computer, and presenting the flyable slope to a decision-maker.