Automatic Tiltrotor Pylon Control via Airspeed Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tiltrotor aircraft conversion processes from helicopter to airplane and vice versa are manually controlled, lacking automated systems to optimize pylon positions based on airspeed and rate of change, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased pilot workload.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically control pylon positions of a tiltrotor aircraft by converting airspeed commands into pylon positions, using a combination of pylon trim schedules and dynamic pylon commands to adjust positions based on commanded airspeed, rate of change, and whether airspeed is increasing or decreasing, incorporating lookup tables and control algorithms to optimize flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual conversion control is used, then pilot control flexibility is maintained, but pilot workload increases and conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic conversion control where the aircraft system itself adjusts pylon positions based on flight conditions (airspeed, rate of change) without continuous pilot input. The automatic conversion system receives airspeed commands, calculates optimal pylon positions using trim schedules and dynamic commands, and actuates pylons automatically, allowing the system to serve itself in the conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (pilot operating pylon switches) with an automated electronic control system. The system uses airspeed sensors, flight control computers, and electronic actuators to substitute the mechanical manual switching process, thereby reducing pilot workload while maintaining or improving conversion efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If automatic conversion control is implemented, then pilot workload is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic conversion system is integrated into the existing flight control system, allowing it to perform multiple functions: normal flight control, automatic conversion control, and emergency conversion. The flight control computer uses existing sensors (airspeed, attitude) and controls (pylon actuators) for both routine operations and automatic conversion, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-calculated pylon trim schedules that define optimal pylon positions for various airspeeds and flight conditions. These schedules are prepared in advance and stored in the flight control computer, allowing the system to quickly determine appropriate pylon positions during automatic conversion without complex real-time calculations, thereby managing system complexity.
3Productivity
If pylon positions are adjusted dynamically based on airspeed, then flight performance is optimized, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic conversion system continuously monitors actual airspeed using sensors and compares it with commanded airspeed. Based on this feedback, the system calculates dynamic pylon commands to adjust pylon positions. The flight control computer receives feedback from airspeed sensors and adjusts pylon actuation accordingly, ensuring precise position control while optimizing flight performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for automatically controlling the conversion of a tiltrotor aircraft. An airspeed command for the tiltrotor aircraft is received. The airspeed command is converted to a pylon position. A difference between the airspeed command and a measured airspeed is calculated. The difference between the airspeed command and a measured airspeed is converted to a dynamic pylon position. A total pylon position is calculated from the pylon position and the dynamic pylon position. A pylon of the tiltrotor aircraft is moved to the total pylon position. Another embodiment of the present invention is a system for calculating a position of a pylon of a tiltrotor aircraft based on an airspeed command. The system includes an airspeed command module, a pylon trim position module, a dynamic pylon position module, and a pylon position module.