eVTOL Wheel Braking Control for Ground Steering and Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective braking system in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to facilitate safe takeoff, landing, and ground maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
The development of a braking system for eVTOL aircraft, which includes a wheel configured for rolling motion and a brake with a caliper to resist wheel rotation. The system is controlled by a pilot control device and a controller that processes pilot inputs to generate action commands for the control surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braking system is added to eVTOL aircraft, then ground maneuvering safety and control capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is integrated with the existing wheel and caliper structures of the eVTOL aircraft, combining braking functionality with the landing gear system rather than adding completely separate components. This merging approach improves ground operation safety while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system with caliper and wheel assembly is designed to serve multiple functions including braking, steering, and supporting the aircraft during ground operations. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated system to address various ground maneuvering requirements without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective braking is implemented for steering, then ground maneuverability is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented to allow independent control of different wheels through individual calipers. This segmentation enables selective braking on specific wheels to achieve steering maneuvers, improving ground adaptability while maintaining manageable control complexity through modular actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts braking force distribution across different wheels based on steering requirements and flight conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to various ground maneuvering scenarios without requiring a completely complex control architecture, as the same basic braking mechanism serves multiple dynamic functions.
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
The braking system enables flexible takeoff and landing capabilities, allows for steering of the aircraft on the ground through selective braking, and ensures safe ground operations by providing controlled deceleration.
Implementation Method 1
a brake configured to resist rotation of the wheel, wherein the brake comprises a caliper that is configured to resist a rotation of the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Braking systems and methods for an electrical vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are provided. A braking system may contain a pilot control device, brakes, wheels, sensors, and a controller. Pilot controls the pilot control device to transmit information to the controller such that the aircraft will slow down.