Aircraft Route Re-joining Trajectory Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight management systems do not provide a method for continuously and automatically calculating a re-joining trajectory for an aircraft that has deviated from its reference route, leaving pilots without a permanent solution to guide the aircraft back to the route without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method that iteratively detects deviations from the active route, selects a suitable route segment to re-join, calculates and validates a re-joining trajectory, and applies it to the aircraft's route, with the option to switch to a next segment if the initial selection is not valid, and includes an exit procedure if no valid segments are available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the aircraft operates in managed guidance mode following a pre-calculated route, then the horizontal trajectory automatically follows the reference route, but the aircraft cannot adapt when air traffic control instructs deviation or when the route becomes unreachable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between managed guidance mode (automatic following) and manual mode (pilots discretion), and automatically calculates re-joining trajectories when deviation is detected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain automation benefits while handling unexpected situations flexibly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors aircraft position relative to the reference route and automatically detects deviations. When a deviation is detected, the system calculates and proposes re-joining trajectories, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains route adherence while allowing temporary deviations.
2Device complexity
If the flight management computer provides only straight-line distance indication to the next waypoint, then the system remains simple, but the pilot cannot determine if the waypoint will be reached in satisfactory conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the route into active segments and calculates re-joining trajectories for each segment separately. This segmentation allows the system to provide detailed re-joining information without overwhelming the pilot, maintaining simplicity while improving information quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary re-joining trajectory calculation that bridges the gap between simple distance indication and complex navigation. This intermediary provides pilots with actionable re-joining paths while maintaining system simplicity through automated calculations.
3Extent of automation
If the patent FR2921152 method is used to automatically select a waypoint to re-join, then the selection process is automated, but the re-joining trajectory itself cannot be calculated
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the waypoint selection function with the trajectory calculation function into a unified process. When a deviation is detected, the system simultaneously selects the appropriate route segment and calculates the re-joining trajectory, eliminating the gap left by prior art methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of re-joining trajectories for multiple potential route segments before pilot intervention is needed. This preliminary action ensures that when a deviation occurs, the system can immediately provide a valid re-joining trajectory without requiring manual calculation or pilot computation.
4Measurement precision
If the system calculates re-joining trajectories iteratively at each new aircraft position, then the trajectory remains current and accurate, but computational resources are continuously consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs re-joining trajectory calculations periodically at each new aircraft position or when deviations are detected, rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains trajectory accuracy while reducing computational energy consumption compared to continuous real-time calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically calculating a trajectory for an aircraft to re-join a reference route of the aircraft executed iteratively, in particular when the aircraft is no longer locked onto its reference route, each iteration comprising a step of detection of deviation from the active segment of the route; if the deviation from the active segment of the route is detected, the method comprises a step of selection of a route segment to be re-joined, a step of calculation of a re-joining trajectory between a starting point and the route segment to be re-joined, and a step of validation of the trajectory of the route segment to be re-joined. Where this trajectory is validated, the method comprises a step of assignment of the re-joining trajectory for the segment to the re-joining trajectory for the route. Otherwise, it comprises a step of verification of the existence of a next route segment fulfilling a selection condition. If a next route segment fulfils a selection condition, it comprises a step of selection of the next route segment as route segment to be re-joined, and a return to the step of calculation of a re-joining trajectory for the route segment to be re-joined. If no route segment fulfils the selection condition, it comprises a step of application of an exit procedure. A computer program for implementing this method is provided.