Fly-by-wire Trim Control for Pitch Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fly-by-wire aircraft systems lack improved trim control capabilities, particularly in automatically adjusting pitch trim based on stable flight conditions and disengaging autopilot systems efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fly-by-wire system with an input device and controller that allows pilots to input re-trim commands for pitch adjustment and autopilot disengagement, using a processor and memory unit to manage trim control systems and ensure stability during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual trim switch is used for trim control in fly-by-wire aircraft, then trim control functionality is provided, but the system lacks automatic pitch trim adjustment based on stable flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts pitch trim based on detected stable flight conditions without requiring manual pilot input. The controller monitors flight parameters and autonomously commands trim adjustments when stability criteria are met, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes stability criteria and trim adjustment protocols in advance. When flight conditions indicate stable flight, the controller has pre-programmed instructions to automatically command the appropriate trim adjustments, eliminating the need for real-time manual decision-making and trim operations.
2Ease of operation
If separate controls are provided for autopilot disconnect and pitch trim, then specific functions are clearly defined, but the number of controls and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages both autopilot disconnect operations and automatic pitch trim adjustments based on stable flight detection. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate control devices into a single integrated controller, reducing the overall number of controls while maintaining clear functional definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the autopilot disconnect function and the automatic trim control function into a single integrated controller system. Rather than providing separate physical controls for each function, the controller integrates both capabilities, allowing pilots to operate fewer controls while the system handles multiple tasks through unified control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Aircraft, fly-by-wire systems, and controllers are provided. An aircraft includes a trim control system and a fly-by-wire system. The trim control system is configured for controlling surfaces of the aircraft. The fly-by-wire system is communicatively coupled with the trim control system and includes an input device and a controller. The input device is configured to receive a re-trim input from a user. The controller is communicatively coupled with the input device and is configured to control the trim control system, to obtain the re-trim input from the user, and to set a pitch trim of the aircraft based on a stable flight condition at a present airspeed of the aircraft in response to the re-trim input from the input device.