Aircraft Vertical Profile Rejoining via Constraint Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft trajectory calculation systems face challenges in efficiently adapting the vertical profile of an aircraft when it deviates from reference constraints, requiring lengthy recalculations that can disrupt air traffic and crew operations.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically adapting the vertical profile of an aircraft by selecting and validating altitude constraints, calculating and assigning vertical-profile predictions, and applying exit procedures to ensure compliance with flight domain constraints, allowing the aircraft to quickly rejoin a reference vertical profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete vertical profile recalculation is performed when the aircraft deviates from the reference profile, then the aircraft can return to compliance with altitude constraints, but the recalculation process is lengthy and disrupts air traffic and crew operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vertical profile into multiple altitude constraints (pointlike constraints at specific distances). Instead of recalculating the entire vertical profile when deviation occurs, the system identifies and addresses only the specific altitude constraint that cannot be complied with, thereby reducing recalculation time while ensuring compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary validation of vertical-profile predictions against altitude constraints before finalizing the profile. By checking compliance in advance and identifying constraints that cannot be met, the system can proactively adjust the profile to avoid lengthy recalculations later, thus reducing overall computation time while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vertical profile is frequently adjusted to maintain compliance with altitude constraints, then the aircraft can adapt to changing flight conditions, but the complexity of the trajectory calculation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic validation process where vertical-profile predictions are continuously checked against altitude constraints. The system adapts the vertical profile in real-time based on aircraft position and predicted altitude, allowing frequent adjustments without requiring a complete system redesign, thus maintaining adaptability while managing complexity through incremental updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the validation results of vertical-profile predictions against altitude constraints feed back into the profile generation process. When a constraint cannot be complied with, the system uses this feedback to adjust the vertical profile accordingly, enabling adaptive behavior while keeping the calculation system manageable through iterative refinement rather than complex upfront design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program and system are provided for calculating in an automatic manner a trajectory for rejoining a reference vertical profile of an aircraft. A reference vertical profile comprises a set of vertical constraints, and a method comprises a step of selecting an altitude constraint to be complied with, a step of calculating a vertical-profile prediction making it possible to comply with the constraint, a step of validating the vertical-profile prediction, if the vertical-profile prediction is validated, a step of applying the vertical-profile prediction, otherwise a step of determining the existence of a following altitude constraint to be complied with; if a following altitude constraint exists: a step of selecting a following altitude constraint to be complied with; a return to the step of detecting non-compliance with an altitude constraint; otherwise, a step of applying an exit procedure.