eVTOL Flight Control with Distributed Propulsion Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft face challenges in designing components that withstand frequent use, generate low noise and vibration, and ensure safety with distributed propulsion systems, while meeting regulatory requirements for safety and efficiency in densely populated areas.

Innovation Solution

The eVTOL aircraft employs a distributed electrical propulsion system with multiple electrical engines mounted on booms, capable of tilting for vertical and horizontal flight, along with a flight control system that uses inceptors to control aircraft movement and orientation, incorporating redundancy and safety protocols to minimize single points of failure and optimize energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional eVTOL aircraft use centralized propulsion systems, then the structure is simpler, but safety is reduced due to single points of failure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddistributed propulsion system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent distributed electrical engines mounted on booms, where each engine can operate independently. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure, as the failure of one engine does not compromise the entire propulsion system, thereby improving safety while accepting increased system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the aircraft have specialized propulsion units optimized for their specific functions. The distributed electrical engines are strategically positioned on booms to provide localized thrust control, enabling precise maneuvering and enhanced safety through redundant propulsion capability at multiple locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If eVTOL aircraft use frequent manual controls, then pilot control is maintained, but wear and fatigue increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual controlVSAvoidcomponent lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flight control system incorporates automated functions that monitor and adjust aircraft parameters without continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates propulsion distribution, stabilizes flight characteristics, and manages energy consumption, reducing the frequency and intensity of manual control inputs while extending component lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring aircraft state, engine performance, and environmental conditions. This feedback enables automated adjustments to propulsion output and control surface positions, reducing manual control wear while maintaining precise aircraft handling and pilot situational awareness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If eVTOL aircraft operate in densely populated areas, then accessibility is improved, but noise and vibration increase regulatory challenges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distributed electrical engines operate in periodic cycles, alternating between active thrust phases and idle phases during cruise flight. This periodic operation reduces continuous noise and vibration emissions, enabling operations in densely populated areas while maintaining operational flexibility through on-demand thrust availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The aircraft utilizes its distributed propulsion configuration to convert potential harmful noise and vibration into beneficial control authority. By independently modulating each distributed electrical engine, the system creates fine-grained thrust control that enables ultra-quiet hover and maneuvering capabilities, transforming the complexity of distributed engines into a noise-reduction advantage for urban operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11702191B1Systems and methods for controlling an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 ARCHER AVIATION INC

AI summary

Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In one embodiment, a system comprises a processor, a first inceptor, communicatively coupled to the processor, the first inceptor configured to accept longitudinal and lateral linear movements as manual input and provide corresponding signals to the processor, and a second inceptor, communicatively coupled to the processor, the second inceptor configured to accept longitudinal and lateral linear movements as manual input and provide corresponding signals to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to control a heading of an aircraft using a signal received from the second inceptor corresponding to lateral linear movement of the second inceptor. Some embodiments may additionally include at least one sensor and a thumb stick for each inceptor.