Aircraft Remote Piloting System Using Virtual Cockpit Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-range aircraft operations exceed pilot flight time regulations, necessitating efficient and safe piloting solutions beyond traditional two-pilot crew limitations without significant cockpit modifications or revenue space reduction.
Innovation Solution
A system enabling remote piloting of aircraft through a two-way communication channel between onboard and remote flight control systems, allowing pilots to rest while a third, virtual pilot assumes control, using adjustable pilot seats and virtual reality presentations to maintain cockpit functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a third flight crew member is added to cover additional flight time, then flight time coverage is improved, but operational cost increases and revenue service space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the pilot cockpit experience by transmitting visual and auditory signals from the onboard cockpit to a remote location. This virtual replica allows a remote pilot to control the aircraft without physically occupying cockpit space, thereby extending flight time coverage while preserving revenue service space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication system as an intermediary between the onboard cockpit and the remote pilot station. This intermediary transmits sensory information and control signals, enabling the remote pilot to effectively participate in flight operations without being physically present in the cockpit or requiring additional onboard crew members.
2Duration of action of moving object
If additional onboard seats are provided for rest, then flight time coverage is improved, but available revenue service space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the pilot cockpit experience by transmitting visual and auditory signals from the onboard cockpit to a remote location. This virtual replica allows a remote pilot to control the aircraft without physically occupying cockpit space, thereby extending flight time coverage while preserving revenue service space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the piloting function from the three-dimensional physical cockpit space to a remote location connected via communication channels. This dimensional transition allows the aircraft to have full piloting capability without additional physical seats or space allocation in the cabin.
3Productivity
If two pilots fly continuously to maximize utilization, then productivity is improved, but compliance with flight time regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the pilot cockpit experience by transmitting visual and auditory signals from the onboard cockpit to a remote location. This virtual replica allows a remote pilot to control the aircraft without physically occupying cockpit space, thereby extending flight time coverage while preserving revenue service space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the piloting function universal by enabling control from multiple locations - both onboard and remote. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios, including extended flights that would exceed standard pilot duty limitations, while maintaining regulatory compliance through proper crew scheduling.
4Duration of action of moving object
If cockpit is modified to accommodate additional pilot seats, then flight time coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the pilot cockpit experience by transmitting visual and auditory signals from the onboard cockpit to a remote location. This virtual replica allows a remote pilot to control the aircraft without physically occupying cockpit space, thereby extending flight time coverage while preserving revenue service space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the piloting function from the physical cockpit environment and separates it into two components: the onboard cockpit for local control and a remote control station for distant operation. This extraction eliminates the need to modify the cockpit structure for additional seats while maintaining full piloting capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for both onboard piloting and remote piloting an aircraft having thereon at least one onboard pilot includes an aircraft having an onboard flight control system, onboard flight control devices, and onboard condition indicators mounted proximal the pilot seat. A remote flight control system, in electronic communication with the onboard flight control system, includes remote flight control devices and remote condition indicators. At least in a remote piloting mode, the onboard flight control system transmits flight and aircraft condition-related signals to the remote flight control system, receives flight control signals from the remote flight control system, and actuates, according to the flight control signals received from the remote flight control system, onboard actuators thereby remote piloting the aircraft. In the remote piloting mode, the aircraft may be cooperatively piloted by a remote pilot and at least one alert onboard pilot as another onboard pilot rests.