eVTOL Pilot Display for Rotor-to-Fixed-Wing Transitions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pilot displays in aircraft lack essential information for smooth transitions between rotor-based and fixed-wing flight modes, complicating the operation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A sensor measures the aircraft's position and generates a position datum, which is used by a computing device to determine the aircraft's position relative to a transition point, commanding a display to show a visual representation of this position, aiding pilots in transitioning between flight styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional pilot displays are used in eVTOL aircraft, then the display system remains simple and familiar, but the display lacks essential information for smooth transitions between rotor-based and fixed-wing flight modes
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple functional zones: a primary flight display area showing traditional flight parameters, a transition guidance area displaying transition point information and progress indicators, and a flight path visualization area. This segmentation allows comprehensive transition information to be presented without overwhelming the pilot, as each zone serves a specific informational purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the display by incorporating transition progress indicators that show the sequence and timing of transition phases. It also adds a spatial dimension by visualizing the flight path in three-dimensional space with the transition point marked, allowing pilots to understand their position relative to the transition zone from multiple dimensional perspectives.
2Reliability
If real-time position data and transition guidance are added to the pilot display, then transition smoothness improves, but the computing and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the transition point position and transition criteria during flight planning, before the actual transition occurs. This pre-computation reduces the real-time processing burden during the critical transition phase, as the computing device only needs to compare current position data against pre-calculated transition parameters rather than performing complex calculations in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system automatically updates transition guidance information based on incoming position data from the aircraft's navigation system, without requiring manual intervention or complex processing. The system self-manages the comparison of current position with the transition point and automatically generates appropriate visual cues, reducing the computational burden on the flight control computer.
3Ease of operation
If visual representation of aircraft position relative to transition point is displayed, then pilot situational awareness improves, but the display information density increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system applies local quality by presenting different types of information in different display zones with appropriate visual characteristics. Critical transition point information is displayed with high visibility and prominence in a dedicated area, while less critical flight path information is presented with lower visual weight. This allows pilots to quickly identify and focus on the most important information without being overwhelmed by the total information volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays only the essential transition-related information needed for safe operation, rather than presenting all available flight data. It selectively highlights the transition point position, transition progress, and critical flight path segments, omitting redundant or less relevant information. This partial action approach provides sufficient situational awareness without excessive information density.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect of the present disclosure a pilot display system for an aircraft includes a sensor configured to measure an aircraft position and generate a position datum based on the aircraft position, a display incorporated in the aircraft, and a computing device communicatively connected to the sensor and the display, the computing device configured to receive a flight path including a transition point, determine, from the position datum, the aircraft position relative to the transition point, and command the display to display a visual representation of the aircraft position relative to the transition point.