Vehicle Trajectory Control Through Decoupled Lateral and Vertical Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating vehicle trajectories, particularly for aerospace vehicles, fail to accurately predict turn points with desired time, distance, and fuel efficiency due to interrelated constraints that are not addressed independently, leading to conservative and inefficient estimations.

Innovation Solution

A process and machine that decouple lateral and vertical profile calculations by generating a baseline lateral profile using instantaneous course changes, applying airspace constraints, and then adapting the vertical profile to derive a predicted trajectory, considering performance and configuration elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If rough estimations for vehicle speed at turn points are used to generate lateral profile, then the trajectory generation process is simplified, but the accuracy of turn point prediction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrajectory generation processVSAvoidturn point prediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the trajectory generation into distinct phases: baseline lateral profile generation using rough speed estimations, baseline vertical profile generation, and subsequent adaptation phases. This segmentation allows the system to use simplified methods where appropriate while reserving complex calculations for critical adjustments, thereby maintaining process simplicity while improving accuracy where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary generation of baseline lateral and vertical profiles using rough speed estimations before the vehicle reaches turn points. This preliminary action establishes an initial trajectory that can be quickly computed, and then adapts this baseline trajectory using more accurate methods as the vehicle approaches turn points, combining the benefits of simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conservative speed estimations are made to ensure lateral profile feasibility, then the vehicle can follow the lateral profile, but the time of travel and fuel efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral profile feasibilityVSAvoidtime of travel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the lateral profile by adapting turn radii based on actual vehicle performance data and conditions as the vehicle approaches turn points. Instead of using fixed conservative estimates, the system modifies the baseline lateral profile in real-time, allowing the vehicle to optimize its speed and trajectory for both feasibility and efficiency under current operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from actual vehicle performance, sensor data, and environmental conditions to adjust the lateral profile adaptation. By continuously monitoring vehicle state and comparing it against the baseline profile, the system can make informed adjustments to turn radii and speeds, ensuring feasibility while minimizing time loss and fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If fixed climb/descent rates are assumed for vertical profile generation, then the calculation process is simplified, but the fuel efficiency and distance accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical profile calculationVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used for vertical profile generation from fixed climb/descent rates to adaptive parameters based on actual vehicle performance, environmental conditions, and trajectory requirements. By allowing these parameters to vary dynamically rather than remaining fixed, the system achieves both simplified initial calculation and optimized fuel efficiency through subsequent adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250279008A1Machine and process for vehicle trajectory control

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Illustrative examples are provided of a process and machine configured to provide innovative technical solutions for: deriving a predicted trajectory for a vehicle; controlling a trajectory for a vehicle; and for reducing congestion in an Air Traffic Management system, via: a processor executing an algorithm specially programmed for: generating a baseline lateral profile for a baseline trajectory; subsequently generating a baseline vertical profile for the baseline trajectory; subsequently forming the baseline trajectory by merging the vertical profile with the baseline lateral profile; and using at least one of: a performance element, or a configuration element, from the baseline trajectory for deriving the predicted trajectory. The predicted trajectory is sent for use by a Flight Management System and/or an Air Traffic Management System.