Assisted Piloting Mode for Helicopter Engine Limit Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In helicopters with multiple engines, the breakdown of a first limit indicator increases pilot workload and requires interrupting the mission to avoid exceeding manufacturer-defined engine limits, especially when conventional instruments must be used to monitor multiple parameters.
Innovation Solution
An assisted piloting method and device that activate a piloting mode to maintain engine monitoring parameters below predetermined thresholds, reducing pilot workload by automatically or manually capping engine performance to prevent exceeding limits set by the manufacturer, even if the first limit indicator is malfunctioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first limit indicator breaks down, then the pilot must use conventional instruments to monitor multiple parameters, but the pilot workload increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control member automatically monitors engine parameters and enforces limits without requiring pilot intervention. The system self-regulates by preventing command transmission when parameters approach limits, thereby protecting engines while reducing pilot workload during indicator malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member continuously receives information from monitoring parameters and adjusts its behavior based on real-time engine status. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically prevent limit exceedances without requiring the pilot to manually monitor multiple conventional instruments.
2Reliability
If the pilot manually monitors multiple parameters using conventional instruments, then engine limits can be maintained, but the mission must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The control member autonomously maintains engine parameter compliance without requiring pilot attention or mission interruption. The system continuously monitors and self-regulates engine operation, allowing the pilot to maintain normal mission activities while engine safety is automatically ensured.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous engine operation within safe limits without interrupting the mission. By automatically monitoring and enforcing parameter limits, the control member allows uninterrupted flight operations while maintaining engine safety, eliminating the need for precautionary landings.
3Reliability
If the control member prevents command transmission when parameters approach limits, then engine safety is ensured, but the pilot loses authority over engine control
Solution Approach 1:
The control member applies partial limitation only when necessary to prevent limit exceedances. Instead of completely restricting pilot authority, the system selectively prevents command transmission only when parameters approach critical limits, maintaining pilot authority for normal operations while providing protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member preemptively prevents commands that would cause limit exceedances before they occur. By blocking problematic commands in advance while allowing normal commands to pass through, the system protects engines without significantly impacting pilot authority during routine operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An assisted piloting method for an aircraft having at least two engines (2, 3) includes monitoring a set of parameters (Ng, T4, Tq) of the engines. A first limit indicator (10) displays information relating to a value of a limiting parameter of the engines. The limiting parameter is the parameter (Ng, T4, Tq) of the engines that is the closest to its limit. An assisted piloting mode is activated during which each parameter (Ng, T4, Tq) is maintained below a predetermined threshold whenever the first limit indicator is not in a position to display the information.