Electric Aircraft Navigation Control for Pilot Incapacitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrically propelled aircraft, such as eVTOLs, there is a challenge in ensuring continuous control and navigation, particularly when pilots are unable to manage the aircraft at all times.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors that detect navigation signals, a flight controller that determines aircraft adjustments based on these signals, and a pilot display to present adjustments to the user, enabling autonomous control of electric aircraft propulsors and facilitating navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous control functions are implemented to enable continuous navigation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system is divided into distinct functional modules: sensor modules for detecting navigation signals, processing modules for determining aircraft adjustments, and control modules for executing adjustments to propulsors. This segmentation allows each module to perform a specific function, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight controller is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple tasks: receiving navigation signals from various sensors, processing these signals to determine aircraft adjustments, generating autonomous control functions, and communicating with the pilot display. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single system, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If autonomous functions control propulsors to maintain navigation, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors navigation signals and aircraft status, processes this information through the flight controller, and automatically adjusts propulsors accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures continuous control and navigation without requiring constant pilot intervention, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous control system enables the aircraft to self-regulate its navigation and control functions by automatically detecting navigation signals, determining necessary adjustments, and executing control actions on the propulsors without pilot input. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation during pilot incapacitation while simplifying the operational burden on the pilot.
3Reliability
If navigation signals are continuously detected and processed, then navigation reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor modules detect navigation signals at periodic intervals rather than continuously, allowing the system to maintain navigation reliability while reducing energy consumption. The flight controller processes these periodic signals to determine aircraft adjustments, ensuring that navigation accuracy is maintained without requiring constant signal detection and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electric aircraft navigation includes a sensor configured to detect a navigation signal, a flight controller, wherein the flight controller is configured to receive the navigation signal, identify a navigation status as a function of the navigation signal, and determine an aircraft adjustment as a function of the navigation status, and a pilot display, wherein the pilot display is configured to display the aircraft adjustment to a user, and present an autonomous function configured to enact the aircraft adjustment automatically.