Aircraft Sensor Anticipator System for Time Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft autopilot systems experience performance issues due to time lag differences between legacy analog attitude sensors and newer digital attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS), leading to closed-loop instability and increased costs when retrofitting aircraft.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that predict and compensate for pitch and roll angles by calculating a compensation amount based on measured rates and time delay, using a compensation module to adjust signals sent to the autopilot system, thereby mitigating the effects of time lag introduced by digital AHRS or ADC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital AHRS or ADC system replaces an analog attitude sensor, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but time lag increases causing autopilot performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compensation calculations using measured pitch and roll rates before the delayed angle data is received. By calculating compensation amounts based on current rates and expected delay duration, the system prepares corrected attitude values in advance, effectively counteracting the time lag effect of the digital sensor system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the autopilot system is altered to accommodate the AHRS dynamics, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary compensation module between the AHRS/ADC and the autopilot system. This intermediate device translates the delayed digital sensor outputs into compensated signals that mimic the dynamics of legacy analog sensors, allowing the autopilot to operate with its original configuration without requiring complex alterations.
3Reliability
If legacy analog attitude sensors are replaced with digital AHRS, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to additional compensation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation function is segmented into a separate, standalone module that can be independently configured and installed. This modular approach allows the compensation logic to be implemented as a discrete unit with adjustable parameters, simplifying the retrofit process and making the system easier to manufacture and install while maintaining the reliability benefits of digital sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for estimating future pitch and roll angles of an aircraft to compensate for a time delay caused by a flight instrumentation system calculating the aircraft's pitch and roll. The apparatus may output signals to an aircraft autopilot system. The apparatus may comprise various inputs and outputs, at least one compensation module, and at least one addition module. The compensation module may multiply a gain value by the pitch rate of the aircraft and by the roll rate of the aircraft to determine a pitch compensation amount and a roll compensation amount. Then the pitch compensation amount may be added to the pitch of the aircraft, and the roll compensation amount may be added to the roll of the aircraft to solve for a compensated pitch and a compensated roll to send to the autopilot system.