eVTOL Drive Control Modes for On-Site Functional Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft require inefficient movement from operational sites to examination sites for functional testing of electric drive systems, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A control device that allows the electric drive system of an eVTOL aircraft to operate in either a normal mode or a functional test mode, enabling on-site functional testing without the need for dedicated facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If functional testing is performed at dedicated examination sites, then testing reliability is improved, but time loss and operational efficiency deteriorate due to frequent site changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in normal flight control mode and in functional test mode. By integrating the test execution unit into the existing control device, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing facilities, allowing the same device to serve both operational and testing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs self-testing through its integrated test execution unit, which can autonomously execute functional tests of the electric drive system. The system tests itself without requiring external dedicated testing equipment or relocation to specialized facilities, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining testing reliability.
2Measurement precision
If functional testing is performed at dedicated examination sites, then testing accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient site transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The control device integrates both normal operation control and functional testing capabilities into a single universal system. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing facilities and transitions between sites, thereby improving productivity while maintaining testing accuracy through the use of the same reliable control hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the test execution unit with the existing control device, combining testing functionality with operational control in one integrated system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate testing facilities and improves overall system productivity while maintaining measurement precision through consistent hardware usage.
3Reliability
If separate testing facilities are used, then testing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed as a universal system that performs both normal flight control and functional testing of the electric drive system. By integrating the test execution unit into the existing control device, the system maintains reliability without increasing overall device complexity, as the same hardware serves dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the testing functionality with the existing control device into a single integrated unit. This merging approach maintains reliability by using the same proven control hardware while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding separate dedicated testing facilities and systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device controls an electric drive system mounted on an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a rotor, and including a drive motor that turns the rotor. The control device controls the electric drive system to operate selectively in any one operation mode of at least two operation modes: a normal mode and a functional test mode. In the normal mode, the control device controls the drive motor in accordance with a command from a body control device that controls the flight of the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. In the functional test mode, the control device controls the drive motor in accordance with a command sent from outside according to a functional test program, or in accordance with the functional test program preset in the control device.