eVTOL Transition Control Using Pilot Override and Thrust Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The autonomous transition of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is complicated due to the difficulties in smoothly and safely handling the transition between vertical and horizontal flight modes, posing challenges for pilots.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for flight control that includes a horizontal thrust component, a lift component, and a pilot override switch, with a flight controller that initiates autonomous flight, identifies transition points, modulates control surfaces, and receives pilot override signals to transition control from autonomous to pilot-controlled modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autonomous flight control is implemented for eVTOL aircraft transition, then the complexity of pilot operation is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional flight controller and override switch systems
Solution Approach 1:
The flight controller autonomously manages the transition between vertical and horizontal flight modes by automatically adjusting lift and thrust components, allowing the system to self-regulate without continuous pilot intervention. The pilot override switch provides manual intervention capability when needed, creating a self-service system that reduces operational complexity while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If manual control is used during flight transition, then the pilot has direct control, but the transition becomes more difficult and unsafe due to pilot handling challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The flight controller acts as an intermediary between the pilot's intentions and the actual flight control, automatically managing the complex transition dynamics between vertical and horizontal flight. This intermediary system handles the difficult handling aspects while maintaining pilot authority through the override switch, thereby improving transition safety without completely removing pilot involvement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If autonomous transition control is implemented, then the smoothness of flight transition is improved, but the extent of automation increases which may reduce pilot situational awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of automation based on flight phase, providing autonomous control during critical transition moments when smoothness is most important, while allowing pilot takeover during stable flight phases. This dynamic approach maintains transition smoothness through automated control while preserving pilot situational awareness by keeping them engaged through the override capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a smooth and safe autonomous transition between vertical lift and fixed-wing flight, allowing for efficient operation of eVTOL aircraft during takeoff, ascent, descent, and landing by translating preplanned trajectories into appropriate torque generation in the aircraft's components.
Implementation Method 1
adjust an attitude of the eVTOL aircraft by modulating at least a control surface
Implementation Method 2
a lift component attached to the eVTOL aircraft
Implementation Method 3
a horizontal thrust component attached to an eVTOL aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A system for autonomous flight of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The system may include a pusher component, a lift component, a flight controller, and a pilot override switch. 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 override switch. The flight controller is configured to identify a transition point, 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.