Distributed Flight Control System Modular Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight control systems in aircraft are cumbersome due to the need for numerous cables, which increase weight and vulnerability to electromagnetic disturbances, and they require multiple computers that complicate the architecture and reduce safety.
Innovation Solution
A distributed flight control system with a modular architecture featuring primary and secondary control systems, each with independent energy sources and networks, reducing the number of computers while maintaining safety through redundant modules and distinct communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized flight control system with multiple computers is used to ensure safety through redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and weight increases due to numerous cables
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control system is divided into multiple independent elementary systems (System 1, System 2, System 3, and BCM), each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows redundancy without requiring a single complex centralized architecture, as each system can independently control the aircraft if others fail.
Solution Approach 2:
Each elementary system is designed with universal functionality to perform both primary control and backup functions. The systems can operate in different modes (nominal, standby, backup) and any system can take over control functions, eliminating the need for specialized dedicated backup systems and reducing overall architectural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If numerous cables are deployed to connect computers to actuators and control surfaces, then control functionality is maintained, but weight increases and exposure to electromagnetic disturbances increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each elementary system has its own dedicated set of cables connecting to actuators and control surfaces. This segmentation means that cable sets are distributed across multiple independent systems rather than consolidated in a single centralized system, reducing the total cable length and weight while maintaining full control functionality through redundant paths.
3Ease of operation
If numerous cables are deployed to connect computers to actuators and control surfaces, then control functionality is maintained, but exposure to electromagnetic disturbances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable infrastructure is segmented into multiple independent sets, each associated with a specific elementary system. This segmentation reduces the total cable length within each system and creates electrical isolation between systems, thereby reducing cumulative electromagnetic interference and vulnerability to disturbances.
4Reliability
If multiple independent elementary systems are used to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple elementary systems are merged into a unified flight control architecture where they share common control surfaces and actuators. This merging allows the systems to function as a coordinated ensemble rather than isolated units, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each elementary system is designed with universal control capabilities, allowing any system to perform any control function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized dedicated systems and simplifies the overall architecture by eliminating redundant specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A flight control system for an aircraft, intended for controlling a plurality of actuators adapted for actuating control surfaces of the aircraft from information supplied by piloting members and/or sensors of the aircraft. The system includes a primary control system adapted for controlling a first set of control surface actuators and a secondary control system adapted for controlling a second set of control surface actuators, the primary and secondary systems being respectively powered by independent energy sources of different types.