Hybrid Aircraft Flight Control Modules for VTOL Transition Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight control systems for hybrid aircraft require significant modifications to both the fixed-wing and VTOL controllers, which is complex and costly, and often involves proprietary interfaces and technical obsolescence issues.
Innovation Solution
A flight control arrangement that includes a fixed-wing flight control module and a vertical takeoff/landing (VTOL) control module, where the VTOL controller is loosely coupled with the fixed-wing controller via an aircraft network, allowing for VTOL transitions without modifying the existing fixed-wing controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing flight control systems are modified to add VTOL capability, then vertical takeoff and landing functionality is achieved, but system complexity and modification costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control system is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed-wing control module and a VTOL control module. Each module operates independently with its own control logic, allowing VTOL functionality to be added without modifying the existing fixed-wing controller. This modular segmentation resolves the technical contradiction by enabling versatility while maintaining simplicity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
An aircraft data network serves as an intermediary communication channel between the fixed-wing control module and the VTOL control module. The modules exchange flight status information and control commands through this network interface, enabling coordinated operation without direct coupling or modification of either controller. This intermediary approach allows VTOL capability addition while preserving the original fixed-wing controller integrity.
2Reliability
If proprietary interfaces are used in integrated flight control systems, then control functionality is achieved, but technical obsolescence and integration issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft data network uses standardized, universal communication protocols that can interface with multiple different control modules and aircraft components. This universal interface approach allows both the fixed-wing and VTOL control modules to communicate effectively without proprietary restrictions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliable control functionality through proven communication standards.
3Reliability
If the VTOL controller supervises the fixed-wing controller, then coordinated control is achieved, but the fixed-wing controller loses independence and requires modification
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the VTOL controller supervising the fixed-wing controller, the system inverts the control architecture so that each module operates independently with equal status. The fixed-wing control module manages fixed-wing flight operations while the VTOL control module manages vertical flight operations, with both modules communicating as peers through the data network. This inverted approach achieves coordinated control while preserving the independence and simplicity of each controller.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flight control arrangement for a hybrid aircraft includes a fixed-wing flight (F/W) control module and vertical takeoff/landing flight (VTOL) control module. The F/W control module is an integrated component having a respective network interface connected to an aircraft data network via which it provides fixed-wing control output to network-connected fixed-wing flight components including one or more horizontal-thrust components. The VTOL control module is also an integrated component having a respective network interface to the aircraft data network via which the VTOL control module (1) observes flight status as reflected in network messages originated by the fixed-wing flight control module, and (2) based on the observed flight status, generates VTOL control output to network-connected VTOL flight components including one or more vertical-thrust components, to control VTOL flight as well as transitions to and from fixed-wing flight.