US 11,027,825 B2 · Split-aileron control

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods and system for controlling the operation of an aircraft aileron which comprises an inboard portion and an outboard portion. A velocity of the aircraft is determined. Then, based on the velocity of the aircraft, the aileron is caused to move in certain ways. Below a first velocity threshold, the inboard aileron portion and the outboard aileron portion are caused to move substantially in unison. Between the first velocity threshold and a second, greater, velocity threshold, the outboard portion of the aileron is caused to lock and the inboard portion of the aileron is caused to move independently from the outboard portion. Above the second velocity threshold, the inboard portion is caused to move substantially opposite from the outboard portion.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A method for controlling operation of an aircraft aileron comprising an inboard portion and an outboard portion, the method comprising:

receiving an operator command for steering the aircraft from an operator control;
determining a velocity of the aircraft at a time of receipt of the operator command;
when the velocity is below a first threshold, causing the inboard aileron portion and the outboard aileron portion to move substantially in unison;
when the velocity is above the first threshold and below a second threshold greater than the first threshold, causing the outboard portion of the aileron to lock and causing the inboard portion of the aileron to move independently from the outboard portion;
and
when the velocity is above the second threshold, causing the outboard portion of the aileron to move substantially opposite from the inboard portion.

3 more elements

A system for controlling operation of an aircraft aileron comprising an inboard portion and an outboard portion, the system comprising:

a processing unit;
and
a non-transitory computer-readable media communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for:
receiving an operator command for steering the aircraft from an operator control;
determining a velocity of the aircraft at a time of receipt of the operator command;
and
when the velocity is below a first threshold, causing the inboard aileron portion and the outboard aileron portion to move substantially in unison;
when the velocity is above the first threshold and below a second threshold, causing the outboard portion of the aileron to lock and causing the inboard portion of the aileron to move independently from the outboard portion;
and
when the velocity is above the second threshold, causing the outboard portion of the aileron to move substantially opposite from the inboard portion.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Split-aileron control

Life of this patent

Split-aileron control

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23