eVTOL Flight Controller for Stall-Aware Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flight control of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is complicated due to the different modes of flight, making it difficult for pilots to smoothly and safely handle these aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a pilot control connected to an eVTOL aircraft, with a pusher component and a lift component, and a flight controller that estimates stall speed, initiates or terminates the operation of these components based on pilot instructions, and provides warnings to the pilot, enabling smooth transitions between vertical lift and fixed wing flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flight control system manages multiple flight modes (vertical lift and fixed wing), then the aircraft's versatility is improved, but the control complexity increases making it difficult for pilots to handle smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The flight controller serves as an intermediary between the pilot control inputs and the actual flight mode transitions. It automatically manages the complex coordination between lift and pusher components, translating simple pilot commands into appropriate flight mode transitions without requiring the pilot to directly manage the complexity of multiple flight modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors flight parameters including speed relative to stall speed and automatically adjusts component operation based on real-time conditions. The warning system provides feedback to the pilot when approaching unsafe conditions, enabling smooth transitions through continuous monitoring and automatic adjustments
2Ease of operation
If the flight controller automatically manages component operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the extent of automation increases which may reduce pilot control
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial automation where the flight controller automatically manages component operation and stall prevention, but the pilot retains ultimate control and authority over flight decisions. The automation handles specific tasks (component initiation/termination, warning generation) while leaving strategic control with the pilot
Solution Approach 2:
The flight control system monitors its own operational state and automatically adjusts component operation based on detected flight conditions. The system serves itself by detecting stall risks and automatically managing components to prevent stalls, reducing the pilot's workload while maintaining safety
Data Source
AI summary
A system for flight control of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The system generally includes a pilot control, a pusher component, a lift component and a flight controller. The pilot control is mechanically coupled to the eVTOL aircraft. The pilot control is configured to transmit an input datum. 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 control. The flight controller is configured to receive the input datum from the pilot control, 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.