Active-Feedback Remote Control Unit for Autonomous Flight Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote-control systems for VTOL aircraft lack active feedback, making it difficult for pilots to intuitively manage aircraft operations, especially during transitions between flight modes and autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
A remote-control unit with embedded actuators and a processing system that provides force feedback and adjusts control element positions based on the aircraft's operational state, mimicking the stick feel of manned aircraft and ensuring seamless transitions between manual and autonomous modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If active feedback is added to the remote control unit, then pilot awareness and control responsiveness are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active feedback by using actuators to physically move the control elements on the remote control unit based on the aircraft's operational state. The processing system receives data about the aircraft's position, speed, and mode of operation, then commands actuators to adjust control element positions accordingly, providing the pilot with tactile feedback that mirrors the aircraft's actual state without requiring additional displays or complex interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages and direct manual control with an electro-mechanical system. Instead of the pilot directly manipulating control surfaces through mechanical connections, the remote control unit uses electronic sensors to detect aircraft state and electromechanical actuators to move control elements, substituting pure mechanical systems with integrated electronic-mechanical systems that enable active feedback.
2Stability of the object's composition
If control element positions are automatically adjusted by actuators, then transitions between flight modes become smoother, but ease of operation during autonomous mode decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control element positions adaptive rather than static. The control elements automatically adjust their positions based on the aircraft's current flight mode (hover, transition, forward flight) and operational parameters. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the control interface remains optimized for the current phase of flight, providing smooth transitions between modes without requiring manual reconfiguration by the pilot.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically configuring the control elements based on aircraft state without pilot intervention. The processing system monitors flight parameters and autonomously commands actuators to position control elements appropriately for the current mode of operation, allowing the system to serve itself in terms of interface configuration rather than requiring continuous manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a remote controller for a vehicle includes at least one control element for controlling operation of at least one aspect of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a remote-control mode; an actuator connected the at least one control element for controlling a position of the at least one control element when the vehicle is in an autonomous operations mode; and a processing system for receiving a first control signal from the vehicle indicative of a state of operation of the vehicle. In operation, the processing system generates a second control signal to the actuator to cause the actuator to control a position of the control element such that it corresponds to and indicates the state of operation of the vehicle.