Cockpit Robotic Arm Vision Feedback for CDU Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-cockpit robot automation systems face challenges in accurately manipulating complex interfaces such as the control display unit (CDU) of a flight management system (FMS) due to size and vibration issues, making it difficult to engage user-actuable devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automation system comprising an actuation controller, a vision system, and a robotic arm assembly housed in a compact unit that can be affixed to a surface adjacent the control interface, allowing the robotic arm to engage user-actuable devices based on data from the vision system, which includes an optical support arm and a camera, and is designed to retract into a cavity for stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing robotic systems are used to manipulate complex cockpit interfaces, then automation capability is provided, but manipulation accuracy deteriorates due to size and vibration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the robotic manipulation task into discrete, precisely controlled movements. The robotic arm is segmented into multiple joints (base joint, elbow joint, wrist joint) that can be independently controlled to achieve fine positioning. The vision system is segmented into camera modules and processing units that work together to provide precise visual feedback for manipulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system provides real-time visual feedback to the control system, enabling closed-loop control for precise manipulation. The camera captures images of the CDU and surrounding area, and the control system uses this visual information to adjust the robotic arm's position and orientation, compensating for vibrations and positioning errors to maintain manipulation accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic arm assembly with vision system is added to manipulate CDU, then interface operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm assembly, vision system, and control electronics are merged into an integrated unit that mounts to the cockpit structure. The housing contains multiple components (robotic arm, camera, lights, electronics) in a compact arrangement, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining interface operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm assembly is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be adapted to different aircraft types and cockpit configurations. The system can manipulate various control interfaces (CDU, switches, knobs) using the same basic robotic mechanism, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems.
3Measurement precision
If robotic arm assembly is mounted adjacent to control interface, then manipulation precision is improved, but installation invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm assembly is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt to different mounting locations. The arm can extend and reposition itself to reach the CDU from various positions, enabling installation in locations that minimize invasiveness while maintaining manipulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system acts as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the CDU, enabling precise manipulation without requiring the robotic arm to be in direct contact with or extremely close to the control interface. The camera provides visual guidance that allows the arm to reach and manipulate controls from a slightly greater distance, reducing installation invasiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation system to manipulate an interface in an aircraft having an actuation controller, a vision system, a robotic arm, and a housing. Each of the vision system and the robotic arm assembly may be operatively coupled to the actuation controller. The vision system may be configured to optically image a display device of the preexisting interface, while the robotic arm assembly may be configured to engage a user-actuable device of the preexisting interface. The housing can be configured to affix to a surface adjacent the preexisting interface, where each of the vision system and the robotic arm assembly are coupled to the housing. In operation, the actuation controller may be configured to instruct the robotic arm assembly based at least in part on data from the vision system.