20240045448. METHOD OF CONTROLLING A TRANSITION AIRCRAFT AND TRANSITION AIRCRAFT simplified abstract (Volocopter GmbH)

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METHOD OF CONTROLLING A TRANSITION AIRCRAFT AND TRANSITION AIRCRAFT

Organization Name

Volocopter GmbH

Inventor(s)

[[:Category:Burak Y�ksel of Tübingen (DE)|Burak Y�ksel of Tübingen (DE)]][[Category:Burak Y�ksel of Tübingen (DE)]]

Ashwath Ramesh of Ottobrunn (DE)

Lucas Duarte of München (DE)

METHOD OF CONTROLLING A TRANSITION AIRCRAFT AND TRANSITION AIRCRAFT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240045448 titled 'METHOD OF CONTROLLING A TRANSITION AIRCRAFT AND TRANSITION AIRCRAFT

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method for controlling a transition aircraft that can switch between a take-off/landing regime and a horizontal flight regime. The method involves the following steps:

  • Providing measurements or estimates of flight parameters.
  • Checking whether a predefined set of conditions for the current regime are fulfilled by comparing flight parameters with threshold values.
  • Signaling a decision-maker and awaiting confirmation for a transition to the other regime if conditions are fulfilled.
  • Instructing the flight controller to make the transition if approved.
  • Commanding the aircraft according to the other regime after transitioning.
  • Returning to the step of providing measurements or estimates of flight parameters.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Transition aircraft: This method can be applied to aircraft that are designed to transition between vertical take-off/landing and horizontal flight, such as VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft or drones. It can improve the control and efficiency of these aircraft during the transition process.
  • Autonomous flight: The method can be used in autonomous flight systems to enable smooth and controlled transitions between different flight regimes. This can be beneficial for various applications, including aerial surveillance, delivery drones, and search and rescue operations.

Problems solved by this technology:

  • Control during transition: Transitioning between different flight regimes can be challenging and may require different control strategies. This method provides a systematic approach to control the aircraft during the transition process, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
  • Threshold-based decision-making: By comparing flight parameters with predefined threshold values, the method allows for objective decision-making regarding the transition between regimes. This reduces the risk of errors or unsafe conditions during the transition.

Benefits of this technology:

  • Improved efficiency: The method allows for optimized control of the aircraft in each regime, leading to improved overall efficiency. This can result in reduced fuel consumption and extended flight range for the aircraft.
  • Smooth transitions: By gradually blending in the control law for the other regime over time while blending out the current regime, the method enables smooth and seamless transitions. This enhances the comfort and stability of the aircraft during the transition process.
  • Enhanced safety: The systematic approach and threshold-based decision-making ensure that the aircraft transitions between regimes only when the predefined conditions are fulfilled. This improves the safety of the aircraft and reduces the risk of accidents or malfunctions during the transition.


Original Abstract Submitted

a method of controlling a transition aircraft having actuators and which transitions between a first take-off/landing regime and a second horizontal flight regime, including: controlling a first actuator subset in the first regime and a second actuator subset in the second regime using the flight controller, by: a) providing measurements or estimates of flight parameters; b) depending on a current regime, checking whether a predefined set of conditions for that regime are fulfilled, by comparing flight parameters with threshold values; c) if conditions are fulfilled, signalling a decision-maker and awaiting confirmation regarding a transition to the other regime; d) instructing the flight controller to make the transition if approved; e) after transitioning in step d), commanding the aircraft according to the other regime; and f) returning to step a). step e) includes gradually blending in a control law for the other regime over time while blending out the current regime.

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