Aircraft Tailstrike Awareness With Tactile Pitch Control Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods to prevent aircraft tailstrikes require extensive and costly redesign or modification, such as longer main landing gear or structural shock absorption, which are not always effective in reducing the probability of tailstrike incidents during takeoff and landing.
Innovation Solution
A tailstrike awareness system that uses processors to analyze tailstrike-related data and provides a tactile warning to pilots through a resistant force applied to the pitch control inceptor, with distinct force gradients and vibration, to alert them of impending tailstrikes, thereby reducing the likelihood of such incidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If longer or semi-levered main landing gear is used to prevent tailstrikes, then tailstrike prevention capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a processor to monitor aircraft parameters (pitch attitude, angle of attack, altitude, vertical speed) and provide real-time tactile feedback to the pilot through the pitch control inceptor. When tailstrike risk is detected, the system generates a resistant force that increases with actuator stroke, creating a progressive tactile warning that guides the pilot to adjust control inputs and prevent tailstrike without requiring structural modifications to the landing gear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/structural approach (longer landing gear, shock absorbing structures) with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to provide tactile feedback. This substitution eliminates the need for structural modifications while achieving the same safety objective through active monitoring and pilot guidance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If structural shock absorption is added to the rear of the aircraft fuselage, then tailstrike damage is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the pilot about tailstrike risk by monitoring aircraft parameters and generating tactile warnings through the pitch control inceptor. This feedback mechanism prevents tailstrike occurrences by guiding pilot control inputs, eliminating the need for structural shock absorption modifications to the fuselage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the tactile feedback system through the pitch control inceptor) that mediates between the pilot's control inputs and the aircraft's pitch attitude. This intermediary provides guidance to the pilot, preventing tailstrike before it occurs, rather than relying on structural modifications to absorb impact energy
3Reliability
If tactile warning with resistant force is applied to pitch control inceptor, then tailstrike prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional control force
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by providing tactile feedback only when tailstrike risk is detected, not during all flight operations. The resistant force is generated selectively based on monitored parameters (pitch attitude, angle of attack, altitude, vertical speed), allowing normal easy operation during safe conditions while providing guidance only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system is dynamic in that the resistant force is not constant but varies with actuator stroke and tailstrike risk level. The force increases progressively as the actuator strokes, providing escalating tactile guidance that is adaptive to the current flight condition and tailstrike probability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the probability of tailstrikes by providing timely feedback to pilots, allowing them to adjust their control inputs and avoid tailstrike occurrences without the need for significant aircraft redesign or modification.
Implementation Method 1
The tactile warning is a resistant force applied to a pitch control inceptor in a cockpit of the aircraft
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing the probability of the occurrence of an aircraft's tailstrike are disclosed. In one or more examples, a disclosed method for reducing a probability of an occurrence of a tailstrike for an aircraft comprises determining whether a tailstrike has a first probability of occurring by using tailstrike related data. The method further comprises producing a tactile warning to a pilot of the aircraft, when at least one processor determines that a tailstrike has the first probability of occurring. In at least one example, the determining of whether a tailstrike has a first probability of occurring comprises determining whether an aircraft pitch attitude is greater than a first probability threshold by using the tailstrike related data; and determining that a tailstrike has the first probability of occurring, when the aircraft pitch attitude is greater than the first probability threshold.