Aircraft Flight Control Jam Localization and Override Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft primary flight control systems can experience jams, impairing their functionality, and existing technologies lack effective methods to accurately differentiate and mitigate jams located forward or aft of the control columns, potentially leading to impaired aircraft control.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using first and second sensors positioned below the cockpit floor to determine input force values from pilot and officer control columns, calculating a summation to differentiate between forward and aft jams, and employing a forward jam override device or direct lift control commands to mitigate jams, with adjustments for sensor errors and biases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned below the cockpit floor to measure input forces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors positioned below the cockpit floor as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly measure the input forces on control columns. This intermediary positioning allows accurate force measurement while simplifying the overall system architecture by separating the measurement function from the control column structure itself.
2Measurement precision
If a summation of input force values is used to determine jam location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical jam detection mechanisms with a computational approach. By summing the input force values from multiple sensors and comparing against threshold criteria, the system determines jam location through mathematical processing rather than mechanical indicators, reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors input force values from sensors, calculates their summation, and uses this feedback to determine jam location. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows real-time detection and precise localization of jams by comparing measured forces against expected ranges.
3Reliability
If control columns are decoupled to mitigate jams, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control column system into independently controllable parts. When a jam is detected, the affected control column can be decoupled from the common linkage, allowing the other control column to remain functional. This segmentation enables continued aircraft control despite partial system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the control columns by switching from a coupled configuration to a decoupled configuration when jams are detected. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to failure conditions and maintain reliability by isolating the jammed component.
4Reliability
If wing spoilers are commanded to provide direct lift control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wing spoilers serve multiple functions: their primary role in roll control and an additional role as direct lift control surfaces when elevator jams occur. This multi-functionality provides reliability through redundancy without adding separate dedicated backup systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing spoilers act as intermediary control surfaces that can compensate for elevator system failures. By commanding spoiler deflection, the system creates an alternative path for generating lift changes, mediating the control function when the primary elevator system is jammed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for operating flight control systems of aircrafts are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a flight control system including a first sensor and a second sensor. The example apparatus also includes a processor to, based on data from the first and second sensors, determine first and second input values and, based the input values, determine an approximate location of a jam in the flight control system of an aircraft.