Single-Inceptor Aircraft Control for Lower Pilot Workload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft control systems require multiple input mechanisms, increasing cognitive workload and complexity, while also necessitating direct human control over various parameters such as power, configuration, and control.
Innovation Solution
A unified aircraft control system utilizing a single inceptor that integrates flight controller, sensors, effectors, and haptic feedback, allowing for control across various flight regimes without altering input axes, and enabling self-centering to reduce user workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple input mechanisms are used in aircraft control systems, then control precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cognitive workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input mechanisms (stick, rudder pedals, throttle, mixture control, propeller control) into a single integrated control column. This unified interface integrates multiple control functions into one device, reducing the number of separate mechanisms while maintaining comprehensive control capability across all flight parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The control column is designed as a universal interface that performs multiple control functions simultaneously. It can control pitch, roll, yaw, power, and other flight parameters depending on the flight regime, making a single device multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated controls for each parameter.
2Measurement precision
If multiple input mechanisms and feedback systems are used, then control precision is improved, but user cognitive workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single control column serves as a universal interface for all flight control parameters. The system automatically determines which control parameter is active based on the current flight regime (hover, transition, forward flight), presenting a simplified interface to the user while maintaining precise control capability for all parameters through the same mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system includes automatic features such as self-centering springs that return the control column to neutral positions, automatic mode transitions between flight regimes, and integrated feedback systems that adjust control characteristics based on aircraft state, reducing the mental effort required to manage multiple control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct human control over power, configuration, and control parameters is required, then pilot authority and situational awareness are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates controls for power management (throttle, mixture, propeller), configuration (flaps, landing gear), and flight control (pitch, roll, yaw) into a single control column interface. This allows the pilot to maintain direct authority over all parameters while interacting with a unified, less complex control system rather than multiple separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The aircraft control system 100 includes an inceptor with a set of primary inceptor axes and a set of secondary inceptor inputs. The inceptor can optionally include a hand rest, a thumb groove, a set of finger grooves, passive soft stops, and/or any other additional elements. The aircraft control system can optionally include a flight controller, aircraft sensors, effectors, and a haptic feedback mechanism. However, the aircraft control system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable components.