HSI Module Heading Error Generation for Autopilot Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems require additional hardware to utilize GPS information for commanding an autopilot, which is impractical due to crowded cockpit conditions and limited functionality of single-purpose flight indicators.
Innovation Solution
An improved Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) module that accepts Bank Angle Commands or waypoint data from a GPS flight module, determines heading error, and outputs this information to the Flight Director module to create a Roll Command for the autopilot, eliminating the need for extra hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is added to utilize GPS information for commanding autopilot, then navigation control capability is improved, but device complexity and cockpit clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The HSI module is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it processes GPS information, calculates heading errors, and commands the autopilot system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware units, reducing cockpit clutter while maintaining enhanced navigation control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines GPS information processing, heading error calculation, and autopilot command functions into a single integrated HSI module. This merging of previously separate functions into one unified system reduces the number of hardware components needed while improving navigation control versatility.
2Device complexity
If single-purpose flight indicators are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but functionality and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The HSI module is transformed from a single-purpose display indicator into a multi-functional unit that not only displays navigation information but also processes GPS data, calculates heading errors, and generates autopilot commands. This maintains relative simplicity while dramatically expanding functionality.
3Device complexity
If existing HSI module is utilized without modification, then hardware requirements are minimized, but autopilot command capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The existing HSI module is enhanced to self-generate the necessary heading error data for autopilot command without requiring external dedicated hardware. The module uses its own processing capabilities to accept GPS information, calculate heading errors, and output commands, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The HSI module's functional parameters are changed to include autopilot command capability. By modifying the module to process additional data types (GPS information) and generate new output types (heading error for autopilot), the system gains enhanced capability while using existing hardware.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An improved Horizontal Situation Indicator module for use with an aircraft, wherein the HSI module is adapted for accepting Bank Angle Commands or waypoint data from a GPS flight module and for using the same to determine a heading error. The HSI module is further adapted for outputting the heading error to the Flight Director module where it can be used to create a Roll Command for output to the Auto-Pilot, whereby the Auto-Pilot can be commanded to follow a turn using the HSI and the Flight Director without requiring an additional module be added to the aircraft to create the heading error for use by the Flight Director.