eVTOL Propeller Parking Control for Hover-to-Wing Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electric aircraft, particularly eVTOLs, face challenges in safely and efficiently transitioning from hover to wing-borne flight for parking, due to the complexity of synchronizing and controlling multiple propulsors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of lift propulsors, sensors to detect angular data, and a controller to generate trajectories for deceleration and adjust propulsor deceleration based on detected angular data, facilitating smooth transitions from hover to wing-borne flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lift propulsors are used to generate lift during hover and transition to wing-borne flight, then the aircraft achieves vertical takeoff and landing capability, but the complexity of synchronizing and controlling multiple propulsors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple propulsor control functions into a single integrated controller that simultaneously manages all lift propulsors. This merging of control functions reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to synchronize multiple propulsors for vertical takeoff and landing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts propulsor deceleration based on real-time angular position feedback from sensors. This dynamic control approach enables smooth transitions from hover to wing-borne flight by continuously optimizing propulsor performance throughout the transition sequence.
2Reliability
If propulsors are decelerated during transition from hover to wing-borne flight, then the transition smoothness and safety improve, but the control precision required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the angular position of each propulsor and provide real-time data to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to continuously adjust deceleration commands, ensuring precise and safe transition control without requiring excessive manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller generates a predetermined deceleration trajectory before the transition begins and executes it systematically. This preliminary planning of the deceleration profile ensures smooth and safe transition while reducing the real-time control precision burden.
3Measurement precision
If propulsor angular position is precisely detected using sensors, then the trajectory generation accuracy improves, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsors are equipped with sensors that automatically detect and report their own angular positions without requiring external measurement systems. This self-service approach provides precise angular data for trajectory generation while minimizing additional system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors serve multiple functions: detecting angular position for trajectory generation, monitoring propulsor status for safety, and providing feedback for control adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement systems, lowering overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a system for propeller parking control for an electric aircraft. The system include at least a sensor and a computing device. A sensor may be configured to generate angular datum. The computing device may be configured to generate a trajectory as a function of angular datum. The computing device may also be configured to initiate the transition from hover to fixed-wing flight as a function of a trajectory.