Inceptor Backup Flight Control for Fly-By-Wire Computer Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fly-by-wire flight control systems require backup control mechanisms that do not significantly increase weight, space, power, or cost, and are not susceptible to being lost simultaneously with the loss of a flight control computer, which is a challenge in current mechanical, distributed, and hosted backup systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a backup flight control processor within the inceptor that receives a backup control mode signal to generate and supply effector-specific flight control command data, allowing the system to maintain functionality even if the flight control computers become inoperable, while synchronizing commands with other effector control electronics and monitoring closed-loop control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical backup system is implemented, then backup control functionality is provided, but system weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical backup system with an electronic backup processor that receives digital signals from the inceptor. Instead of mechanical linkages and clamps, the system uses electronic signal processing to provide backup control functionality, thereby eliminating the significant weight penalty associated with mechanical components while maintaining the required reliability for backup control operations
2Reliability
If a distributed backup flight control system is implemented, then backup control functionality is provided, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup flight control processor into the existing flight control system architecture, where the backup processor shares the inceptor interface and integrates with the effector control electronics. This consolidation approach reduces system complexity by eliminating separate backup flight control computers and their associated wiring, while still providing the required independent backup functionality
3Reliability
If backup control is hosted in a flight control computer, then backup control functionality is provided, but the backup is lost simultaneously with the flight control computer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup control functionality from the main flight control computer by implementing a separate backup flight control processor. This backup processor receives its own digital signals directly from the inceptor through a separate signal path, ensuring that it can operate independently if the primary flight control computer fails. This segmentation provides true backup independence while maintaining system reliability
4Reliability
If a backup control mechanism is implemented, then safety is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup flight control processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standalone backup system, it can receive signals from the same inceptor as the primary system, and it can interface with the same effector control electronics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby lowering the overall system cost while maintaining enhanced safety through improved reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A fly-by-wire flight control system includes a plurality of effector control electronics, a plurality of flight control computers, and an inceptor. Each effector control electronics receives effector-specific flight control command data and generates and supplies flight control surface commands to one or more flight control effectors. Each flight control computer receives inceptor command selectively generates and supplies the effector-specific flight control command data. The inceptor supplies the inceptor data to the flight control computers. The inceptor also includes a backup flight control processor that is configured to: receive a backup control mode signal indicating that the flight control computers are inoperable; and in response to the backup control mode signal, to selectively generate and supply the effector-specific flight control command data.