Automatic High-Lift Control for Pilot Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft systems require pilots to manually control lift control devices during all flight phases, leading to potential errors and safety risks due to high workload, especially during takeoff and landing, where inadequate commands can result in safety margin degradation, structural issues, or aerodynamic stalls.
Innovation Solution
The Automatic Command High-Lift Device (ACHiLD) system automatically positions lift control devices based on real-time aircraft parameters and phase of flight, using a processor-based computer with hardcoded algorithms and Fly-By-Wire system to continuously monitor and adjust high-lift device settings, reducing pilot workload and eliminating manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pilots manually control lift control devices during all flight phases, then they can make real-time decisions based on flight conditions, but the workload increases and errors become more likely during intense periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the aircraft to automatically control its own lift devices. The flight control computer continuously monitors flight parameters and autonomously commands the lift control devices without requiring pilot intervention, thus reducing workload while maintaining safety through automated decision-making based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an automated electronic control system. The flight control computer uses sensors and algorithms to substitute human judgment with automated calculations, transforming the manual pilot input mechanism into an electronic automated command system that reduces human error and workload.
2Ease of operation
If automatic systems are used to control lift devices, then pilot workload is reduced and errors are minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control computer performs multiple functions including monitoring various flight parameters, calculating optimal lift device positions, commanding device adjustments, and integrating data from multiple sensors. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lift device control function with the existing flight control computer and sensor systems. Rather than creating a separate standalone automatic lift control system, the invention integrates the automated control logic into the aircraft's existing flight control architecture, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving automatic control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aircraft and associated methods, apparatus, system and storage devices for automatically positioning of lift control devices such as high lift devices including slats and flaps so an aircraft equipped with this technology will not need to count on the crew to command the lift control devices.