Aircraft Control Yoke Interface for Autonomous Command Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft control yokes are inadequate for interacting with autonomous systems, as they only serve as input devices and do not allow pilots to enter necessary commands for autonomous control, limiting their functionality in autonomous flight modes.

Innovation Solution

A control yoke with a graphical communication device centered at the base, allowing for manual operation and autonomous control, along with additional features like biometric sensors and visual feedback, enables pilots to communicate commands and monitor aircraft states, facilitating seamless transition between manual and autonomous modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional control yoke is used for manual aircraft operation, then the pilot can securely grip and manipulate the device for flight control, but the pilot cannot enter commands needed for autonomous control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidcommand entry capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control yoke is transformed from a single-function manual control device into a multi-functional interface that supports both traditional manual flight control and autonomous system interaction. The graphical communication device integrated into the yoke base enables the pilot to enter autonomous commands while the handle remains functional for manual control, making the device universal for both operation modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a graphical communication device is added to the control yoke for autonomous control interaction, then command entry capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol yoke structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graphical communication device is merged with the control yoke base, integrating the autonomous control interface directly into the existing manual control device. This combination eliminates the need for separate control systems and reduces overall system complexity while enabling both manual and autonomous functionality through a single unified interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If biometric sensors and visual feedback devices are added to the control yoke, then safety and operational awareness are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The biometric sensors automatically monitor pilot physiological states without requiring manual intervention, and the visual feedback devices automatically display aircraft system states and autonomous operation information. These self-monitoring and self-displaying features enhance safety and awareness while minimizing the need for additional manual monitoring systems or complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11554853B2Advanced mission interaction control yoke for advanced autopilots or autonomous aircraft

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

An aircraft and a control yoke for operating the aircraft. The control yoke includes a base, a handle for manual operation of the aircraft, and a graphical communication device centered at the base for receiving a command from an operator and autonomously operating the aircraft according to the received command.