Frustrated Total Internal Reflection Measurement System for Pilot Inceptor Grip Pressure

Area of Science:

• Aviation
• Human-Factors Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Pilot interaction with aircraft controls is crucial for flight safety and performance.
• Objective measurement of pilot workload and situational awareness is challenging.
• Adverse pilot-vehicle couplings can lead to accidents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an innovative pressure-sensing device for aircraft control inceptors.
• To enable objective measurement of pilot workload and interaction.
• To facilitate the identification of potential safety issues like loss of situational awareness.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel pressure sensor utilizing frustrated total internal reflection.
• Integration of the sensor into conventional aircraft control inceptor grips.
• Laboratory calibration and flight simulator testing to evaluate sensor performance.

Main Results:

• The sensor is composed of low-cost elements and is easily manufacturable.
• The device demonstrated accurate measurement capabilities in laboratory tests.
• Flight simulator testing showed the sensor's effectiveness in representing instantaneous pilot workload.

Conclusions:

• The developed pressure-sensing device offers a viable solution for objective pilot workload assessment.
• This technology can enhance flight safety by monitoring pilot interaction and preventing adverse events.
• The sensor's low cost and adaptability make it suitable for widespread aviation application.