Aircraft Wingtip Control System Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft wingtip control systems are cumbersome and require significant pilot intervention, often distracting and non-intuitive, especially during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased workload.
Innovation Solution
A wingtip control system comprising a switch system and a controller that can be placed in an armed state to automatically move the wingtip to a desired position based on predefined events during flight, reducing pilot workload and providing intuitive visual indications without obstructing the pilot's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of wingtip is used, then pilot can directly control wingtip position, but pilot workload increases and control becomes cumbersome during critical phases of flight
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is pre-programmed with automated sequences for different flight phases. The pilot selects the flight phase (takeoff, landing, cruise), and the system automatically executes the appropriate wingtip control sequence, eliminating the need for manual control during critical phases while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wingtip control system monitors flight parameters and automatically adjusts wingtip position based on the selected flight phase without requiring continuous pilot input. The system serves itself by using flight data to trigger appropriate control actions, reducing pilot workload while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Extent of automation
If automated control is implemented, then pilot workload is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Automation sequences are pre-programmed into the system for different flight phases. The controller contains predetermined logic that automatically executes appropriate wingtip control actions based on flight phase selection, providing high automation without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor flight phase conditions and automatically adjust wingtip control accordingly. Visual indicators provide feedback to the pilot about system status and automated actions, creating a simple feedback loop that enhances automation while maintaining system clarity.
3Loss of information
If visual indications are provided in flight deck interface, then pilot awareness of wingtip position is improved, but pilot's view may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The flight deck interface uses color-coded visual indicators (such as green, yellow, red lights or display elements) to convey wingtip position and system status information. Different colors represent different flight phases or control states, providing clear information without requiring large or bright displays that would obstruct the pilot's view.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for a wingtip control system. The wingtip control system comprises a switch system (500) for a flight deck of an aircraft and a controller. The switch system is configured to be placed into an armed state and generate an armed signal (502). The controller is in communication with the switch system. The controller is configured to receive the armed signal from the switch system, visually indicate a desired position for a wingtip of the aircraft in the switch system (504) in response to an event occurring during operation of the aircraft, and generate a movement command to move the wingtip.