Integrated eVTOL Inceptor Control Across All Flight Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft control systems for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles, such as eVtols, are burdened by multiple control devices that increase weight, size, and complexity, which are not suitable for the limited space and weight constraints of these vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The development of an Integrated Aircraft Command (IAC) system that utilizes a single inceptor device capable of controlling all movement axes of an eVtol, transforming pilot inputs into corresponding control outputs through a processor, and actuating the aircraft without requiring changes in aircraft configuration during flight phase transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are used to control different movement axes, then the aircraft can be controlled in all flight phases, but the weight and size of the cockpit control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single control device that can perform multiple functions across different flight phases. The control system is configured so that one device can control various movement axes (pitch, roll, yaw, thrust) depending on the flight phase, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controls for each axis or phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control system adaptable to different flight phases. The control device dynamically changes its function and control mappings based on the current flight phase (hover, transition, forward flight, landing), allowing a single static device to provide dynamically changing control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are used to control different movement axes, then the aircraft can be controlled in all flight phases, but the physical space required in the cockpit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single control device that can perform multiple functions across different flight phases. The control system is configured so that one device can control various movement axes (pitch, roll, yaw, thrust) depending on the flight phase, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controls for each axis or phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple control functions into a single control device. Instead of having separate controls for pitch, roll, yaw, and thrust that would occupy different physical spaces, all these functions are integrated into one device, reducing the overall cockpit footprint.
3Reliability
If multiple control devices are used, then redundant control is provided for multiple pilots, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the control system into independent software configurations rather than physical hardware duplications. Each pilot station can be configured with the same or different control mappings through software, allowing redundancy without adding physical control devices or increasing mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An Integrated Aircraft Command (IAC) unifies a VTOL pilot's controls in a single controller or inceptor device to make it possible for the vehicle to be operated in all phases of flight and on the ground using only one component for the pilot's manual control. This results in a cockpit controls solution with less weight and reduced installation footprint compared to traditional systems present in the industry for different categories of aircraft.