Takeoff Pitch Target Control for Payload and Climb Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current takeoff performance optimization techniques do not effectively maximize payload capacity while adhering to climb and obstacle constraints, as they rely on fixed initial pitch angles and do not account for variable conditions such as weight, altitude, and wind.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that calculates and displays an optimum initial pitch angle based on the ratio of takeoff safety speed to stall speed, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the pitch target during takeoff, thereby optimizing payload capacity within climb and field limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed initial pitch angle target is used during takeoff, then the takeoff procedure is simple to execute, but the payload capacity cannot be maximized under varying climb and obstacle constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetakeoff procedure simplicityVSAvoidpayload capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic initial pitch angle target that adjusts based on calculated takeoff parameters including weight, altitude, temperature, and obstacle constraints. The system transitions from a fixed pitch angle to a variable pitch angle that is optimized for each specific takeoff condition, allowing maximum payload capacity while satisfying climb and obstacle requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pitch angle parameter dynamically based on takeoff conditions. By calculating the optimal pitch angle from takeoff parameters and using this as the initial pitch target, the system adapts to varying weights, altitudes, temperatures, and obstacle configurations to maximize payload while maintaining safety constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the rotation speed and takeoff safety speed are increased to improve climb energy, then the climb gradient increases, but the takeoff distance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclimb gradientVSAvoidtakeoff distance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the relationship between rotation speed, takeoff safety speed, and initial pitch angle by calculating an optimal V2/Vs ratio. This coordinated parameter optimization allows improved climb gradient while minimizing the increase in takeoff distance, as the system finds the best balance between speed increases and pitch angle adjustment for each takeoff condition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If a variable initial pitch angle target is calculated and displayed, then the payload capacity is maximized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayload capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically calculates the optimal initial pitch angle based on input takeoff parameters (weight, altitude, temperature, obstacles) and displays it to the pilot. The system performs self-service by computing the optimal V2/Vs ratio and corresponding pitch angle without requiring manual pilot calculations, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maximizing payload capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the pilot by displaying the calculated optimal initial pitch angle target. This feedback mechanism allows the pilot to adjust the pitch attitude accordingly, ensuring optimal takeoff performance while keeping the system manageable through clear visual guidance rather than requiring complex manual computations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3528080B1Optimizing climb performance during takeoff using variable initial pitch angle target
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3528080B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3528080B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3528080B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for enhancing takeoff performance by displaying symbology representing an initial pitch angle target that optimizes the amount of payload that can be carried by an airplane. This is accomplished by determining an optimum initial pitch angle at rotation during takeoff which is associated with an optimum ratio of the takeoff safety speed to the stall speed that satisfies a specific set of climb/obstacle constraints. Targeting this optimum initial pitch angle allows the maximum takeoff gross weight that corresponds to the optimum takeoff safety speed/stall speed ratio to be selected.