eVTOL Pilot Control Margin Display for Fly-By-Wire Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft with fly-by-wire controls and electric propulsion, especially eVTOLs, lack direct haptic feedback, making it difficult for pilots to determine if control inputs can be executed fully or only partially, and pilots may not recognize remaining control margins.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates and displays momentary control limitations for an aircraft with multiple lift-generating propulsion devices, allowing pilots to understand their physical control capabilities in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If haptic feedback via actuators is introduced to provide force feedback to the pilot, then the pilot can better perceive control limitations, but the weight and complexity of the aircraft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical haptic feedback system (actuators providing force feedback) with an information-based display system. Instead of using mechanical actuators to physically feedback control limitations to the pilot, the system calculates control limitations and displays them visually or auditorily, substituting a mechanical feedback loop with an information presentation approach that avoids additional mechanical weight.
2Reliability
If haptic feedback via actuators is introduced to provide force feedback to the pilot, then the pilot can better perceive control limitations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex haptic actuators and mechanical feedback mechanisms by substituting them with a computational system that calculates control limitations and presents them through existing display or audio interfaces. This reduces device complexity by removing unnecessary mechanical components while maintaining the safety function through information provision.
3Reliability
If control limitations are not displayed to the pilot, then the aircraft system remains simple, but the pilot cannot recognize remaining control margins leading to unsafe operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an information feedback system where the calculation device continuously determines control limitations based on current flight parameters and actuator states, then communicates this information to the pilot through display or audio output. This feedback loop ensures the pilot receives real-time information about available control margins without requiring physical haptic feedback, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of assisting a pilot (26) in controlling an aircraft (20) having a plurality of lift-generating propulsion devices (21), the method comprising the following method steps, calculation of momentary control limitations (3, 4) for each control of the aircraft around its roll axis (x), control of the aircraft around its pitch axis (y), control of the aircraft around its yaw axis (z) and a control of the total thrust T of all the propulsion devices (21), and display of the calculated control limitations (3, 4) by a display device (29).