Control Lever Frangible Link for Manual Override of Autonomous Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems lack an efficient mechanism for an operator to override autonomous control actuators and seamlessly transition back to autonomous control once manual interaction ends.

Innovation Solution

A resettable frangible link is used to couple a second actuator to a control lever via a rod, allowing separation from the control lever based on an applied force from a first actuator, enabling manual override and subsequent return to autonomous control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control system uses separate controls for human operator and autonomous control system, then the operator can override autonomous control, but it is difficult to automatically return to autonomous control after manual interaction ends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator ability to override autonomous controlVSAvoidcomplexity of transitioning between control modes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when manual interaction has ended and autonomously transitions back to autonomous control mode without requiring additional operator input. The control system monitors the control lever position and automatically re-engages the autonomous actuator when the lever returns to the neutral position, making the system self-serve the mode transition function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a frangible link is used to couple the autonomous control actuator to the control lever, then the operator can physically separate the actuator to override control, but the link may break unpredictably under normal operating forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical separation capability for overrideVSAvoidpredictability of frangible link behavior

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frangible link is designed with specific mechanical parameters including a defined weak point, controlled cross-sectional area, and selected material properties that ensure it breaks only when subjected to forces exceeding normal operational ranges. The link incorporates a stress concentration feature that creates a predictable failure point under excessive force while remaining intact during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If the autonomous control actuator remains coupled to the control lever during manual override, then the autonomous actuator may interfere with operator control inputs, but completely disconnecting it prevents automatic return to autonomous mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous control capabilityVSAvoidoperator control responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the autonomous control actuator and control lever dynamically changes based on operational mode. During normal autonomous operation, the frangible link maintains a rigid coupling. When the operator applies excessive force to override, the link fractures and transitions to a disconnected state, allowing full manual control. The system dynamically adapts the degree of coupling based on the applied forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12325509B2Systems and methods for overriding autonomous control of a device

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Within examples, a system is described that includes a control lever for controlling operation of a device, a first actuator coupled to the control lever via a rod, and a resettable frangible link coupling a second actuator to the control lever via the rod. The resettable frangible link enables separation of coupling of the second actuator from the control lever based on an applied force to the rod by the first actuator.