Wireless Autopilot System for Light Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aftermarket autopilot systems for light aircraft require installation by certified mechanics and interface with primary instrumentation, making them costly and reducing commercial viability, while self-installed flight data systems lack the ability to control aircraft operations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless autopilot system with an aircraft attachment device, a flight control device featuring a servomotor and airfoil, and a controller with wireless communication capabilities, allowing remote control of aircraft orientation without accessing primary instrumentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an aftermarket autopilot system is installed by certified mechanics with interface to primary instrumentation, then the aircraft control functionality is achieved, but the installation cost increases and commercial viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The autopilot system is divided into separate functional modules: a control module with primary instrumentation interface, a wireless communication module, and a flight control actuator module. This segmentation allows independent installation and certification of each module, reducing overall installation complexity and cost while maintaining reliable aircraft control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (transceiver system) is introduced between the primary instrumentation and the flight control actuators. This intermediary enables control signal transmission without direct physical connection to primary instruments, allowing installation by non-certified personnel and reducing installation costs while maintaining control reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a self-installed flight data system is used, then the installation cost is reduced, but the ability to control aircraft operations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical/wired control system is replaced with a wireless electronic control system. The wireless transceiver communicates control commands without physical connection to primary instruments, enabling self-installation while maintaining full aircraft control capability. This substitution reduces installation complexity while preserving operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-installing through standardized mounting interfaces and plug-and-play wireless connectivity. The control module can be independently installed and configured by the aircraft owner without requiring certified mechanic intervention, enabling self-service installation while maintaining aircraft control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used for autopilot control, then the independence from primary systems is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transceiver module performs multiple functions: receiving control commands from the primary instrumentation, processing wireless communication protocols, and transmitting control signals to flight control actuators. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independence from primary systems.
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
Enables user control of aircraft operations wirelessly, reducing installation costs and maintaining independence from primary aircraft systems, while providing sustained power generation for continuous flight operation.
Implementation Method 1
A flight control device can be hingedly connected to the aircraft attachment device and can include functionality for changing an orientation of the aircraft during flight upon receiving a wireless instruction from a remote device
Implementation Method 2
Changes in the position of the servomotor during flight causing low pressure areas along both the airfoil and the flight control surface resulting in the change to the orientation of the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless autopilot system includes an aircraft attachment device having a mounting plate for securement onto a flight control surface of an aircraft, and a flight control device that is hingedly connected to the aircraft attachment device. The flight control device including an airfoil that is connected to the mounting plate, and a steering tab that is connected to the trailing edge of the airfoil. A main body extends outward from the airfoil to function as an anti-flutter counterbalance. A servomotor is connected to the steering tab by an elongated rigid rod, and a controller having a wireless transceiver for communicating with an application on an externally located processor enabled device. Changes in the position of the servomotor during flight are instructed by the application, and result in a change to the orientation of the aircraft.