Tiltrotor Aircraft Pylon Tracking With Differential Angle Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tiltrotor aircraft face challenges in matching the angular positions of the pylons relative to the fixed wing during conversions between helicopter mode and airplane mode, which is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A pylon tracking system utilizing rotary position sensors and a flight control computer to identify and manage the differential pylon angle between the first and second pylons, incorporating primary and backup drive systems, and various cascading configurations to enhance accuracy and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tiltrotor aircraft convert between helicopter mode and airplane mode, then the operational versatility is improved, but the matching of pylon angular positions becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where rotary position sensors continuously monitor the angular positions of both pylons during mode conversion. The flight control computer receives this feedback data and processes it to detect any differential angle between the pylons, enabling real-time adjustments to maintain synchronized pylon positions throughout the conversion process between helicopter and airplane modes.
2Measurement precision
If rotary position sensors are used to track pylon angles, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control computer serves multiple functions: it receives feedback from rotary position sensors, processes the feedback data to identify differential pylon angles, and coordinates the operation of both pylons during mode conversion. This multi-functionality consolidates control operations into a single processing unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of precision sensors.
3Stability of the object's composition
If feedback processing is implemented to identify differential pylon angle, then the operational stability is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary position sensors are directly coupled to the pylon drive systems, allowing them to self-generate feedback signals based on their rotational position. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external power-intensive measurement systems, as the sensors utilize the existing mechanical motion of the pylons to generate their own feedback data for the flight control computer.
Data Source
AI summary
A pylon tracking system for a tiltrotor aircraft includes first and second pylons each having a mechanically redundant pylon conversion actuator with first and second drive systems. A position sensor system includes a first rotary position sensor coupled to the first drive system of the first pylon, a second rotary position sensor coupled to the second drive system of the first pylon, a third rotary position sensor coupled to the first drive system of the second pylon and a fourth rotary position sensor coupled to the second drive system of the second pylon. A flight control computer is configured for cascaded communication with the position sensor system providing at least one excitation voltage to the position sensor system and receiving at least one set of sine and cosine feedback voltages from the position sensor system to identify a differential pylon angle between the first and second pylons during pylon conversion.