Flight Vehicle Tilt Feedback Control for Stable Re-Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flight vehicle control and stabilization systems fail to effectively manage the orientation and perturbations of non-fixed components relative to fixed components, leading to instability and loss of control, especially in manned or unmanned aerial vehicles where pilot or rider movement affects the flight dynamics.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that detect and measure the orientation and perturbations of the non-fixed portion of a flight vehicle relative to its fixed portion, calculating directional adjustments to re-orient the fixed portion and maintain stability by adjusting propulsion forces and mechanical means, such as thrusters and springs, to match the new orientation of the non-fixed portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the non-fixed portion is allowed to tilt and rotate freely, then the pilot can control the vehicle direction, but the flight vehicle becomes unstable and loses control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilot control capabilityVSAvoidflight vehicle stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously detects the orientation of the non-fixed portion relative to the fixed portion and feeds this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts propulsion forces and mechanical means to counteract unwanted movements while allowing controlled tilting and rotating, thus maintaining stability while preserving pilot control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes propulsion forces and mechanical parameters based on the detected orientation and desired stability conditions. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system allows the non-fixed portion to tilt and rotate for control while simultaneously maintaining overall flight vehicle stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If computer stabilization algorithms are used to maintain level flight, then flight stability is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight vehicle stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the natural orientation of the non-fixed portion as the primary control input, eliminating the need for complex stabilization algorithms. The pilot's body movements directly control the vehicle, and the system simply responds to maintain stability, rather than requiring continuous computational correction of flight attitudes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex computer-based stabilization algorithms with a simpler mechanical approach where the pilot's physical movements on the non-fixed portion directly control the vehicle. This mechanical control method is augmented by simple feedback mechanisms rather than complex computational algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If external reference frames like cameras are used to track flight vehicle parts, then stabilization control is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and uses the orientation information directly from the non-fixed portion itself, eliminating the need for external reference frames like cameras. By focusing measurement on the critical non-fixed portion, the system achieves stabilization control without the complexity and cost of external tracking systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10901433B2Control and stabilization of a flight vehicle from a detected perturbation by tilt and rotation

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 RHOMAN AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

A flight vehicle control and stabilization process detects and measures an orientation of a non-fixed portion relative to a fixed frame or portion of a flight vehicle, following a perturbation in the non-fixed portion from one or both of tilt and rotation thereof. A pilot or rider tilts or rotates the non-fixed portion, or both, to intentionally adjust the orientation and effect a change in the flight vehicle's direction. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process calculates a directional adjustment of the rest of the flight vehicle from this perturbation and induces the fixed portion to re-orient itself with the non-fixed portion to effect control and stability of the flight vehicle. The flight vehicle control and stabilization process also detects changes in speed and altitude, and includes stabilization components to adjust flight vehicle operation from unintentional payload movement on the non-fixed portion.