eVTOL Navigation Mode Switching Across Airspace and Flight Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air mobility vehicles require different navigation modes for various airspaces and flight rules, necessitating a system to automatically switch between these modes to ensure efficient and safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that automatically sets flight mode displays based on current flight rules and airspace type, transitioning between vectoring, traffic avoidance, auto-pilot, and manual modes as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple navigation modes are provided for different airspaces and flight rules, then the system can adapt to various operational requirements, but the device complexity increases due to the need for automatic mode switching logic and multiple display configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation display system dynamically adapts its mode based on real-time detection of airspace type and flight rules. The system automatically transitions between vectoring mode, traffic avoidance mode, and other navigation modes without requiring manual intervention, making the system behavior dynamic and context-dependent rather than static and fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the current airspace type and flight rules, then autonomously selecting and switching to the appropriate navigation mode. This self-service capability eliminates the need for pilot intervention in mode selection, reducing operational complexity despite the system's ability to handle multiple modes
2Ease of operation
If automatic mode switching is implemented, then pilot workload is reduced, but the extent of automation increases which may require more sophisticated system monitoring and failure management
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic mode switching system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the operational context (airspace type, flight rules) and system state. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust the navigation mode in response to changing conditions, providing intelligent automation that adapts to operational needs while maintaining reduced pilot workload
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements prior cushioning by preparing and pre-configuring multiple navigation modes in advance, so when a mode transition is needed, the system can smoothly switch to the pre-prepared appropriate mode. This reduces the complexity of real-time decision-making and ensures seamless transitions even under automated operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automatically determining a flight mode display for an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has been developed. First, the flight rules and airspace type that are currently used by the eVTOL aircraft are determined. The flight mode display is automatically set to a traffic avoidance mode if the eVTOL aircraft currently uses VFR and VF are currently used in a congested airspace. The flight mode display is automatically set to an auto-pilot mode if the eVTOL aircraft is operating in an urban air mobility (UAM) corridor. The flight mode display is automatically set to a manual mode if a system failure of the auto-pilot mode occurs.