Emergency Flight Controller for Aircraft Control Surface Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the event of a total loss of control of primary flight surfaces in an aircraft, existing flight control systems are inadequate in assisting pilots, as they require manual and stressful adjustments of engine thrusts, which can lead to errors due to unexpected aircraft responses and increased workload.
Innovation Solution
A flight control system with sensors for aircraft parameters, a detector for primary flight surface loss, an emergency flight controller, and a guidance module that provides instructions to pilots on engine thrust and trimmable stabilizer adjustments, using visual action cues to simplify control inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of engine thrusts is required for aircraft control during primary flight surface loss, then aircraft control is possible using remaining control surfaces, but pilot workload increases and pilot error risk increases due to unexpected aircraft responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computer system that mediates between the pilot's input and the engine thrust control. The computer calculates appropriate thrust adjustments based on pilot inputs and aircraft state, then automatically commands the engines. This intermediary processing reduces the complexity of manual thrust management while maintaining aircraft control capability during primary flight surface loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the aircraft's own engine thrust to compensate for the loss of primary flight surfaces. By using the remaining control authority from engine thrust differentials, the aircraft can maintain control without requiring complex external assistance or sacrificing other control surfaces.
2Device complexity
If existing flight control systems are used during primary flight surface loss, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system is inadequate in assisting pilots with manual thrust adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a flight control computer that performs both normal flight control functions and emergency thrust management functions. The same computer system that controls primary flight surfaces during normal operation is enhanced to also calculate and command engine thrust adjustments during primary flight surface loss, eliminating the need for separate dedicated emergency control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares in advance by having the computer pre-programmed with algorithms to calculate appropriate thrust commands based on aircraft state and pilot intent. When primary flight surface loss is detected, the system immediately transitions to thrust control mode without requiring pilot setup or configuration, providing instant assistance while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for providing control instructions to a pilot in the event of a loss of control of primary flight surfaces of an aircraft. The control instructions are determined using an emergency flight controller for receiving a pilot input, the emergency flight controller being in operable communication with at least one sensor for sensing aircraft parameters. The emergency flight controller is configured to determine target thrusts for the multiple engines and a target stabilizer position for the trimmable stabilizer on the basis of pilot input and sensed aircraft parameters. A guidance module is configured to provide instructions to a pilot as to how to control the engine thrusts toward the thrust targets and as how to control the trimmable stabilizer towards the target trimmable stabilizer position.