eVTOL Command Source Selection for Dissimilar Flight Inputs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Flight Control Systems (FCS) in aircraft, particularly those for Urban Air Mobility (eVtols), face challenges in managing multiple dissimilar command sources, as they often lack redundant pilot command devices, leading to the need for a system that can normalize and manage diverse input sources.

Innovation Solution

The proposed Flight Control Command Source Management (FCCSM) system includes input circuitry for receiving signals from various manipulable control devices, conditioning circuitry for normalizing and processing these signals, and a selector circuit that prioritizes and selects the appropriate command source for controlling the eVtol aircraft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dissimilar command sources are used in eVtol Flight Control Systems, then the adaptability and versatility of the control system is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of managing diverse inputs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to manage multiple dissimilar command sourcesVSAvoidcomplexity of managing diverse inputs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal command source management system that can accept and process multiple types of input devices (sidesticks, columns, pedals, touchscreens, voice commands) through a single integrated architecture. The system uses standardized signal processing pathways and a unified selector mechanism that works regardless of the specific input device type, allowing one system to perform multiple functions of handling different command sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components including signal conditioning circuitry that standardizes inputs from dissimilar devices, and a command source selector that acts as a mediator between various input devices and the flight control system. These intermediaries translate and normalize diverse inputs into a common format, simplifying the management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If redundant similar pilot command devices are used in traditional aircraft, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight safety through redundant command sourcesVSAvoidcomplexity of redundant similar devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides redundancy through multiple dissimilar command sources rather than identical devices. The flight control system can accept commands from various types of devices (sidestick, column, touchscreen, voice) where any one can serve as backup for another, achieving reliability without requiring duplicate similar hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of redundancy from identical device duplication to dissimilar device diversity. Instead of having duplicate sidesticks or columns, the system accepts fundamentally different input modalities (physical manipulators, digital touch interfaces, voice commands) that all provide redundant command capabilities through different operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If dissimilar control devices are used in eVtols with unique pilot stations, then the ease of operation and space efficiency are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring command inputs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation with dissimilar devices at unique stationVSAvoiddifficulty of managing diverse input signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs signal conditioning circuitry as an intermediary that receives and standardizes signals from dissimilar control devices. This conditioning layer translates diverse input formats into unified command signals that the flight control system can process uniformly, making detection and measurement straightforward despite input diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms diverse input parameters from dissimilar devices into a standardized parameter set through signal processing. The conditioning circuitry adjusts signal characteristics (voltage levels, signal types, protocols) to convert varied inputs into a common format, simplifying detection and measurement tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250033762A1System and Method for Flight Control Command Source Management (FCCSM)

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 EVE UAM LLC

AI summary

An eVtol aircraft manages different command inputs from various sources such as multiple inceptor types from the pilot (physical or digital), automatic command from autopilot or autonomous system, voice command, and/or remote piloting from an external source linked to the system. A Flight Control Command Source Management (FCCSM) can manage multiple dissimilar sources of commands for the Flight Control System automatically and based on pilot specified selections and/or a priority list.