Aircraft Autopilot Control System with Touchscreen and Yoke Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft autopilot control systems are cumbersome due to the large number of switches and wiring, which increases mass and complicates ergonomics, requiring pilots to stretch and potentially leading to increased manipulation times and errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a touch-sensitive control screen for selecting flight parameters, combined with manually actuated control members for setpoint modification and mode engagement, reducing the need for multiple switches and wiring, and enhancing ergonomics by allowing intuitive and redundant control actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated control panel with multiple switches is used to control autopilot functions, then the autopilot can control multiple flight parameters, but the mass of the control system increases due to the plurality of switches and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the autopilot system to control multiple flight parameters (heading, altitude, speed, vertical speed) through a unified control architecture rather than dedicated switches for each function. This reduces the overall number of control elements while maintaining comprehensive autopilot capability across all major flight parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple autopilot control functions into a single integrated control panel with a standardized switch design. Instead of having separate dedicated switches for each flight parameter, the system combines all autopilot controls into one panel where switches can be configured for different functions, thereby reducing the total number of switches and associated wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated control panel with multiple switches is used to control autopilot functions, then the autopilot can control multiple flight parameters, but the device complexity increases due to the plurality of switches and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the autopilot system to control multiple flight parameters (heading, altitude, speed, vertical speed) through a unified control architecture rather than dedicated switches for each function. This reduces the overall number of control elements while maintaining comprehensive autopilot capability across all major flight parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple autopilot control functions into a single integrated control panel with a standardized switch design. Instead of having separate dedicated switches for each flight parameter, the system combines all autopilot controls into one panel where switches can be configured for different functions, thereby reducing the total number of switches and associated wiring.
3Ease of operation
If the control panel is positioned centrally in the cockpit for accessibility, then all pilots can reach the controls, but the manipulation time increases as pilots must stretch their arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the autopilot control functions into two distinct groups: mode selection functions (engage/disengage) handled by switches on the central control panel, and parameter modification functions (heading, altitude, speed adjustments) handled by control members on the flight control yoke. This segmentation allows pilots to access mode controls centrally while keeping parameter adjustments within easy reach on the yoke, reducing manipulation time for frequent operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to select flight parameters, then all autopilot functions can be selected, but the number of control elements increases leading to more manipulation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the autopilot system to control multiple flight parameters (heading, altitude, speed, vertical speed) through a unified control architecture rather than dedicated switches for each function. This reduces the overall number of control elements while maintaining comprehensive autopilot capability across all major flight parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the autopilot control functions into two distinct groups: mode selection functions (engage/disengage) handled by switches on the central control panel, and parameter modification functions (heading, altitude, speed adjustments) handled by control members on the flight control yoke. This segmentation allows pilots to access mode controls centrally while keeping parameter adjustments within easy reach on the yoke, reducing manipulation time for frequent operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and control system (50) for an aircraft autopilot (10). According to the invention, such a method comprises: • a touch selection step for selecting a flight parameter to be controlled by said autopilot (10), • a modification step for modifying a setpoint of said flight parameter to be controlled by said autopilot (10), and • a mode engagement step for engaging said autopilot (10) in a mode corresponding to said setpoint modified in said modification step of said flight parameter.