eVTOL Flight Controller for Smooth Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flight control of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is complex due to the different modes of flight, making it difficult for pilots to smoothly and safely handle these aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for flight control of eVTOL aircraft, including a pilot control, a pusher component, a lift component, and a flight controller, where the pilot control transmits input data to initiate and terminate the operation of the pusher and lift components, allowing for smooth transitions between vertical lift and fixed-wing flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eVTOL aircraft use multiple flight modes (vertical lift and fixed-wing), then the aircraft's versatility and adaptability are improved, but the flight control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control system is designed to universally handle multiple flight modes (vertical lift and fixed-wing) through a single integrated controller that can execute different control algorithms based on the current flight phase, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each mode and thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Reliability
If eVTOL aircraft implement complex flight control systems to handle different flight modes, then the reliability of flight control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control system incorporates automatic mode transition detection and execution, where the system autonomously determines the current flight phase and switches between vertical lift and fixed-wing control modes without requiring manual intervention from the pilot, thereby maintaining high reliability while simplifying pilot operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors flight parameters (altitude, speed, attitude) and automatically adjusts control mode based on real-time feedback, ensuring reliable transitions between flight modes while reducing the cognitive burden on the pilot and improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for flight control of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The system generally includes a pilot control, a pusher component, a lift component and a flight controller. The pilot control is mechanically coupled to the eVTOL aircraft. The pilot control is configured to transmit an input datum. The pusher component is mechanically coupled to the eVTOL aircraft. The lift component is mechanically coupled to the eVTOL aircraft. The flight controller is communicatively connected to the pilot control. The flight controller is configured to receive the input datum from the pilot control, initiate operation of the pusher component, and terminate operation of the lift component. A method for flight control of an eVTOL aircraft is also provided.