UAV Landing Pattern Control Through GUI-Driven Autopilot Maneuvers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft landing patterns are inefficient and lack flexibility, particularly in uncontrolled airports, where pilots must rely on their skills to maintain safe separation and predictability, leading to potential safety risks and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided for aircraft pilots to modify landing patterns through predefined flight maneuvers, such as downwind extensions, turns, and 360-degree maneuvers, allowing for real-time adjustments and improved control via autopilot systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pilots rely on their skills to maintain safe separation at uncontrolled airports, then operational flexibility is maintained, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables pilots to independently modify their own landing patterns using automated flight maneuvers through the graphical interface, eliminating the need for external air traffic control guidance while maintaining safety through standardized procedures and automated execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic modification of flight pattern parameters (downwind leg length, base leg position, final approach angle) through predefined maneuvers, enabling adaptive response to changing conditions while maintaining safety through controlled parameter adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If existing fixed landing patterns are used, then procedure simplicity is maintained, but efficiency and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure simplicityVSAvoidlanding efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms static, fixed landing patterns into dynamic, modifiable flight paths by enabling pilots to execute predefined maneuvers (downwind extensions, base leg turns, 360-degree turns) that adapt the pattern to current conditions while maintaining procedural simplicity through automated execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The landing pattern is divided into discrete, independently controllable segments (downwind leg, base leg, final approach) that can be modified through specific maneuvers, allowing efficient adaptation without complicating the overall procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If downwind leg is extended to provide spacing between aircraft, then safety separation is improved, but flight time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe separationVSAvoidflight time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic, predefined flight maneuvers (downwind extensions, 360-degree turns) to create controlled delays and spacing between aircraft, achieving safe separation through standardized repeatable actions rather than continuous time extension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12462697B2Traffic pattern control of UAVS and automated downwind extensions

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 JOBY AERO INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for the modification of an aircraft landing pattern through a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface provides buttons associated with flight maneuvers that, when selected, trigger an autopilot of the aircraft to perform the corresponding maneuver. The maneuvers may include a loitering maneuver such as a 360 degree maneuver, a downwind extension maneuver and a turn to base maneuver.