Flight Control Axis Splitting for Seamless Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft control systems lack clear and predictable switching between direct and stable modes of operation, causing pilot confusion and requiring high mental and physical agility during mode transitions.
Innovation Solution
A system with two inceptors for direct and stable mode commands, where a processor blends these commands to create a combined mode, allowing for seamless transition between agility and stability by adjusting the blending ratio based on pilot input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inceptor with a button is used for mode selection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to pilot confusion and unpredictable mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two separate inceptors: a first inceptor for direct mode control and a second inceptor for stable mode control. This segmentation eliminates the confusion associated with mode selection buttons by providing dedicated control devices for each mode, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining acceptable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives commands from both inceptors and blends them to produce a combined control output. This intermediary function enables seamless transitions between modes by mathematically combining control signals, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and clear mode switching
2Speed
If direct mode is used for agile control, then the responsiveness to pilot input is improved, but the stability of flight control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the blend between direct mode and stable mode commands based on pilot input. The processor continuously calculates a combined control signal that adapts the degree of stability applied, allowing the system to transition smoothly between highly responsive direct control and stable automated control as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter blending ratio between direct and stable modes based on the state of the two inceptors. When both inceptors are neutral, full stable mode is applied; when the first inceptor is moved, the blend shifts toward direct mode, thereby adjusting the effective control responsiveness and stability parameters in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of controlling flight of an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a first inceptor that provides a direct mode command for controlling a control axis of the aircraft according to a direct mode and a second inceptor that provides a stable mode command for controlling the control axis of the aircraft according to a stable mode. A processor receives the direct mode command and the stable mode command, forms a combined command for controlling the control axis of the aircraft based on a combination of the direct mode command and the stable mode command, and controls the control axis of the aircraft according to the combined command.