VTOL Takeoff Control via Force Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-autonomous or autonomous VTOL aircraft lack the ability to anticipate and counteract external forces such as wind and sloped terrain during takeoff, leading to potential undesired motion and unsafe conditions due to the lack of pre-motion force information for their control systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an array of force sensors coupled to the aircraft's pads and a controller that adjusts the lift and propulsion system to counteract external forces, minimizing undesirable conditions by controlling the rotors' tilt, rotational velocity, and pitch, and using an IMU for additional motion data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manually controlled helicopter take-off is used, then the pilot can counteract wind and slope effects, but the pilot requires extensive training and the take-off process is complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically performs the take-off sequence without pilot intervention. The system self-manages the transition from ground to flight by automatically adjusting rotor RPM and pitch based on force sensor feedback, eliminating the need for pilot skill in managing the complex take-off dynamics while maintaining safety through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
Force sensors mounted on the skids provide real-time feedback about external forces (wind, slope) acting on the aircraft during take-off. This feedback is fed to the control system which continuously adjusts rotor parameters to counteract detected forces, enabling automatic compensation for environmental conditions without requiring pilot anticipation or manual correction.
2Extent of automation
If semi-autonomous control system is used, then flight stability is automated, but the system cannot anticipate wind effects during take-off leading to undesired motion
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensors detect external forces acting on the aircraft while it is still on the ground, before take-off occurs. The control system uses this advance information to pre-adjust rotor parameters and counteract wind and slope effects before they can cause undesired motion during the critical transition phase, preventing rather than merely correcting instability.
3Reliability
If force sensors are added to the aircraft, then external forces can be detected and counteracted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensors mounted on the skids serve multiple functions: they detect external forces during take-off, provide feedback for automated control, and can potentially be used for other flight phases. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing a single sensor system that contributes to multiple aspects of aircraft operation and safety.
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 solution effectively prevents undesired motion during takeoff by anticipating and counteracting external forces, enhancing safety and stability, especially in windy or sloped conditions, for both manned and unmanned VTOL aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
an array of force sensors coupled to the set of pads, the array having an output providing a measurements stream of forces exerted on the pads
Implementation Method 2
controller is configured to control the lift and propulsion system in a manner to counteract forces exerted externally on the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
An improved vertical takeoff aircraft of the type having a set of pads that are in contact with the ground when the aircraft is at rest on the ground and a controllable lift and propulsion system. The aircraft includes an array of force sensors coupled to the set of pads. The array has an output providing measurements over time of forces exerted on the pads along at least two independent axes. The aircraft also includes a controller, coupled to the lift and propulsion system and to the array of force sensors. The controller is configured to control the lift and propulsion system in a manner to counteract forces exerted externally on the aircraft that would cause undesired motion of the aircraft when on the ground and transitioning from the ground to flight.