Weight distribution systems and control logic for center of gravity management of aircrafts

US11584512B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Andrew Heafitz · Cambridge, US
• Jason Grzywna · Gainesville, US
• Felipe Bohorquez · Cambridge, US
• Anna Zolnikov · Cambridge, US
• Jose Antonio L. Turalba · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 29, 2020
• Grant date: Feb 21, 2023
• Expiry date: Mar 23, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U2101/60
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Presented are weight distribution systems for aircraft center of gravity (CG) management, methods for making/operating such systems, and aircraft equipped with CG management systems. A method is presented for managing the CG of an aircraft. The aircraft includes first and second landing gears and an airframe that removably attaches thereto one or more payloads and/or hardware modules. The method includes supporting the aircraft on a support leg that operatively attaches to the airframe and, while supported on the support leg, determining if the aircraft pivots onto the first or second landing gear. If the aircraft pivots onto either landing gear, the method responsively identifies a new airframe position for the payload/hardware module that will shift the aircraft's CG to within a calibrated “acceptable” CG range; doing so should balance the aircraft on the support leg. The payload/hardware module is then relocated to the new airframe position.