Aircraft Heading Turn Indication for Latched Direction Conflicts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern aircraft avionics, the automated heading selection process lacks clarity regarding the intended turn direction, leading to potential misinterpretations and improper aircraft maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining and displaying a latched turn direction by entering a preliminary heading and turn direction, checking for a shortest turn radius, and providing a notice if the subsequent heading selection requires a different turn direction, using an automated flight control system and visual display device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If direct entry based heading selection is used for automated aircraft operations, then the heading change process is automated and efficient, but the turn direction intent becomes unclear to the pilot
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the latched turn direction (left or right) on the flight display system after the pilot enters a heading value. This feedback mechanism ensures the pilot can verify the intended turn direction before the automated flight control system executes the maneuver, resolving the information loss caused by direct entry automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of the latched turn direction immediately when the heading value is entered, before the actual turn is executed. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare and display the turn direction information in advance, ensuring clarity before the automated maneuver begins.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the aircraft follows the latched turn direction to a subsequent heading, then the turn direction remains consistent, but the turn radius may not be optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relationship between the latched turn direction and the optimal turn direction to the subsequently entered heading. When a discrepancy is detected, the system provides visual feedback by displaying a notice to the pilot, allowing the pilot to decide whether to maintain the latched turn direction for consistency or accept a more efficient path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically evaluates the turn efficiency by calculating the optimal turn radius based on the current aircraft state and subsequently entered heading. This dynamic assessment allows the system to adaptively determine whether the latched turn direction remains appropriate or if a notice should be displayed to the pilot.
3Loss of information
If the system displays all turn direction information continuously, then pilot awareness is maximized, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by displaying turn direction information selectively rather than continuously. The latched turn direction is displayed only when relevant (after heading entry), and notices are displayed only when there is a discrepancy between latched and optimal turn directions. This selective display approach maintains pilot awareness without unnecessarily complicating the display system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining and displaying a turn to a heading entry for an aircraft has been developed. First, a preliminary heading selection and a preliminary turn direction are entered into an automated flight control system (AFCS) for an aircraft. The preliminary heading selection and the preliminary turn direction are displayed to a pilot of the aircraft. A subsequent heading selection is entered into the AFCS while the aircraft is engaged in turning to the preliminary heading selection in the preliminary turn direction. A shortest turn radius to the subsequent heading selection is determined. A determination is made if the shortest turn radius to the subsequent heading selection is the same direction and the preliminary turn direction and a notice is displayed to the pilot of the aircraft is the shortest turn radius to the subsequent heading selection is not the same direction and the preliminary turn direction.