Aircraft Steering Control Device Priority Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft steering systems, when a main pilot and a co-pilot simultaneously operate, it is challenging for the co-pilot to provide effective support steering if the main pilot is unable to perform precise steering due to physical limitations or issues with their operation unit, leading to interference between their steering instructions and inability to execute appropriate emergency maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A control device that includes a switching control unit to prioritize the operation amounts from either the main pilot or co-pilot's steering handle and rudder pedals, allowing for seamless transition and coordination of steering instructions to avoid interference, with preference switches enabling pilots to select their preferred input for actuator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main pilot's steering instruction is employed in preference to the co-pilot's, then the main pilot has primary control authority, but the co-pilot cannot quickly provide support steering when the main pilot is unable to perform precise steering
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically switches the priority of steering instructions based on the operational state. When the main pilot operates the steering handle, the main pilot's instruction has priority. When the co-pilot operates the steering handle, the co-pilot's instruction takes priority. This dynamic priority adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios, enabling the co-pilot to provide support steering when needed while maintaining the main pilot's primary control authority during normal operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If target angles from both pilots are summed together, then both pilots can contribute to steering, but their instructions interfere with each other and cannot execute appropriate emergency maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically determines which pilot's steering instruction to execute based on real-time detection of steering handle operations. When only one pilot operates the steering handle, that pilot's instruction is executed. When both pilots operate simultaneously, the system detects this state and executes the instruction from the pilot whose handle is being operated, preventing interference between conflicting instructions and enabling reliable emergency maneuver execution.
3Productivity
If the main pilot and co-pilot simultaneously operate steering controls, then both pilots can perform steering functions, but their operation amounts interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the operational state of both steering handles and uses this feedback to determine which pilot's instruction to execute. When simultaneous operation is detected, the system uses the feedback information to identify whose handle is being operated and executes the corresponding instruction, preventing interference and maintaining steering instruction accuracy while allowing both pilots to operate simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device 20 for an aircraft steering apparatus controls an aircraft steering apparatus 1 comprising an operation unit including rudder pedals 4, a main pilot steering handle 2 and a co-pilot steering handle 3 which are provided in a cockpit of an aircraft, and an actuator 6 driven in accordance with an operation amount output from the operation unit for driving and steering at least a steered wheel 5, and the control device 20 includes a switching control unit 22 exclusively switches, based on instruction input from at least one of a main pilot and a co-pilot, which of operation amounts corresponding to operation of the rudder pedals 4, the main pilot steering handle 2 and the co-pilot steering handle 3 is used for driving the actuator 6.