eVTOL Flight Controller for Lift-to-Pusher Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flight control of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is complex due to different flight modes, making it difficult for pilots to smoothly and safely handle these aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for flight control of eVTOL aircraft, which includes a pilot control, a pusher component, a lift component, and a flight controller. The flight controller estimates stall speed, receives pilot instructions, initiates pusher component operation, terminates lift component operation, and transmits warnings to the pilot based on the pilot instructions and stall speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flight control system for eVTOL aircraft manages multiple flight modes (vertical lift and fixed wing), then the aircraft can perform both vertical takeoff/landing and horizontal flight, but the control complexity increases making it difficult for pilots to handle smoothly and safely
Solution Approach 1:
The flight controller acts as an intermediary between the pilot control inputs and the actual aircraft systems. It automatically manages the complex transitions between vertical lift mode and fixed wing mode by processing pilot instructions and coordinating the operation of lift and pusher components, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for the pilot while maintaining full versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters and component operations based on the current flight mode and transition state. The flight controller continuously monitors flight conditions and automatically modifies control strategies to optimize performance and safety during mode transitions, making the complex multi-mode operation smooth and manageable for pilots
2Reliability
If the flight controller automatically manages component operations during mode transition, then the transition becomes smoother and safer, but the pilot's direct control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flight controller implements feedback mechanisms where pilot inputs are continuously monitored and processed. The system provides feedback to the pilot about system status and automatically adjusts component operations while maintaining awareness of pilot intentions, ensuring both safety during transitions and preservation of pilot control authority through transparent interaction
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.