Folding-Wing VTOL Aircraft Transition Control for Stable Takeoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft face stability issues and require complex pilot inputs, leading to potential crashes due to low stability and the need for precise control during take-off and landing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that autonomously controls the transition between hovering and forward flight configurations by adjusting thrust producing components, wing angles, and flight control surfaces based on airflow alignment and aircraft orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a VTOL aircraft is designed with fixed-wing configuration for forward flight, then forward flight capability is improved, but stability during VTOL operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs dynamically adjustable wing configurations that can be folded or extended based on flight mode. During VTOL operations, wings are folded to reduce surface area and improve stability, while during forward flight, wings are extended to provide necessary lift and aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft changes physical parameters of its configuration by folding or extending wings. This parameter change allows the same aircraft to optimize its aerodynamic characteristics for different flight regimes - compact folded configuration for VTOL stability and extended configuration for forward flight efficiency
2Measurement precision
If a VTOL aircraft uses complex control devices for precise orientation control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft incorporates autonomous control systems that automatically manage orientation and stability without requiring complex manual intervention. The system self-adjusts control surfaces and thrust distribution based on sensor feedback, reducing the burden on the pilot while maintaining high control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft uses sensor arrays and control systems that continuously monitor orientation, airflow, and flight parameters, providing real-time feedback to automatically adjust control surfaces and maintain stable flight. This closed-loop control achieves precise orientation control through automated feedback mechanisms rather than complex manual control devices
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are computer-implemented methods for autonomously controlling an aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities and folding wings that includes controlling a plurality of thrust producing components of an aircraft to cause the aircraft to rise vertically when wings of the aircraft are in a first folded configuration, where when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded configuration, a leading edge of each wing is oriented in a vertical direction setting motor controller gains based on the wings of the aircraft being in the first folded configuration, and causing the aircraft to align with a direction of airflow when the wings of the aircraft are in the first folded configuration, and controlling thrust producing components and control surfaces and internal articulation mechanisms of the aircraft to cause the aircraft to transition from folded wing configuration to unfolded wing configuration. Systems and computer program products are also provided.