Aircraft Autopilot Speed Information Loss Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autopilot and thrust regulation systems disengage when speed information becomes unavailable, leading to increased workload for the crew and potential aircraft instability due to lack of speed limits, as existing solutions restrict operational capacities and introduce limitations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic method and system that monitors aircraft speed information sources, switches to alternative guidance modes and capabilities, and utilizes backup systems like geolocation devices to maintain autopilot and thrust regulation functionality, ensuring continued operation even when primary sources fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the autopilot and thrust control system disengage when speed information is lost, then the aircraft safety is protected by preventing operation outside flight envelope, but the crew workload increases and operational capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects loss of speed information sources and self-manages the transition to backup sources without requiring crew intervention. The autopilot and thrust control system continue operating using alternative speed information from backup sources, eliminating the need for crew to manually reconfigure systems while maintaining safety protections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures backup speed information sources and automatically activates them when primary sources fail. By having alternative sources ready and automatically switching to them, the system maintains operational capability without requiring crew to take preliminary actions or make decisions during the failure event.
2Reliability
If the autopilot and thrust control system disengage when speed information is lost, then the aircraft safety is protected by preventing operation outside flight envelope, but the operational capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multiple speed information sources that can serve different functions. Primary sources (air data sensors, inertial navigation) are used for normal operation, while backup sources (geolocation devices, barometric sensors) are ready to take over. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain full operational capability across different operating conditions and failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the source of speed information based on availability. When primary sources fail, the system transitions to using alternative sources with different measurement principles (e.g., switching from pitot-static system to barometric or geolocation-based speed estimation), thereby maintaining operational capability despite parameter changes in the available data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If backup systems are implemented to maintain autopilot operation during speed information loss, then operational capability is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup systems are integrated within the existing autopilot architecture rather than being separate standalone systems. The speed information sources are nested within a hierarchical structure where backup sources are embedded ready to take over, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple speed information sources are merged into a unified system that automatically selects and combines data from available sources. The monitoring module, determination module, and usage module work together as an integrated unit, combining the functions of detection, decision-making, and execution to maintain autopilot operation without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Automatic method and system for piloting an aircraft which ensures the availability of at least one autopilot and/or thrust control device which are capable of being controlled based on speed information determined from at least one information source, the autopilot corresponding to an autopilot system and/or a flight director, the autopilot and/or thrust control device being configured to operate according to a first current guidance mode and an approach capability which is part of a first set of guidance modes and approach capabilities.The system includes - a monitoring module to detect the loss of information sources, - a module for determining a second set of guidance modes and approach capabilities based on the information source(s) whose loss has been detected by the monitoring module, - a module for use by the autopilot and/or the thrust control device of a second current guidance mode and an approach capability that is part of the second set.