eVTOL Flight Controller for Autonomous Transition Between Flight Modes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The autonomous transition of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is complicated due to the different modes of flight involved, causing difficulties for pilots to smoothly and safely handle the transition between vertical and horizontal flight.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for flight control of eVTOL aircraft, including a horizontal thrust component, a lift component, and a pilot override switch, where a flight controller initiates autonomous flight, identifies a flight transition point, and modulates the thrust and lift components to adjust the aircraft's attitude, while allowing pilot override for control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If autonomous flight control is implemented for eVTOL aircraft transition, then the difficulty for pilots to handle transition is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to flight controller and sensor systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilots ability to handle transitionVSAvoidflight control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flight control system autonomously manages the transition between vertical and horizontal flight modes without requiring manual pilot intervention. The flight controller automatically detects flight transition points, modulates thrust and lift components, and adjusts aircraft attitude, allowing the system to serve itself during complex maneuvering sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical control by the pilot is replaced with an automated flight control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to manage the transition. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical controls with electronic flight control architecture that automatically coordinates multiple flight components during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flight modes are integrated in eVTOL aircraft, then the versatility of the aircraft is improved, but the transition complexity between modes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft flight mode versatilityVSAvoidtransition process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flight control system dynamically adapts its control strategy based on the current flight mode and transition state. The system continuously monitors flight parameters and automatically adjusts control surface modulation, thrust component operation, and lift component modulation in real-time during transitions between vertical and horizontal flight modes, enabling smooth adaptation to different operational configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flight control system is designed to universally manage multiple flight modes (vertical flight, horizontal flight, and transition phases) through a single integrated controller. The same flight controller handles both vertical and horizontal flight operations as well as the transition between them, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each mode and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If autonomous transition control is implemented, then the safety of transition is improved, but the loss of time for system response increases due to processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition safetyVSAvoidsystem response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flight control system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying flight transition points and preparing control commands in advance. The system proactively monitors flight parameters and anticipates transition requirements, allowing it to initiate control adjustments before the actual transition occurs, thereby reducing perceived response time while maintaining safe, deliberate control actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 flight and fixed wing flight, allowing for efficient operation of eVTOL aircraft by translating preplanned trajectories into appropriate torque generation.

Implementation Method 1

translating preplanned trajectories into appropriate torque generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque generation: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS12276988B2System and method for the autonomous transition of an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 BETA AIR LLC

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.