Coaxial multi-pointer instrument and flight simulator

Abstract

This invention relates to a coaxial multi-pointer instrument and a flight simulator. The instrument includes a housing, a top cover, and a bottom cover. A display component, a pointer drive component, a control module, and a measurement component are disposed within the cavity formed by the housing, top cover, and bottom cover. The display component is located behind the top cover and displays the rotation of the pointers. The pointer drive component drives different pointers to rotate. The measurement component is located within the pointer drive component and measures the motion signals of the corresponding components, inputting these signals to the control module. The control module adjusts the control of the pointer drive component based on the received motion signals. This invention uses readily available micro-motors and gear sets, resulting in low overall cost. The motors in the pointer drive component can be miniature, enabling coaxial two or more pointers within a small space. Digital closed-loop control facilitates integrated control and the development of simulation components for older pointer instruments in flight simulators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aviation instrument technology, specifically relating to a coaxial multi-pointer instrument and a flight simulator. Background Technology

[0002] Aviation instruments, especially those of older aircraft, widely use coaxial multi-pointer instruments. Their pointer driving methods include purely physical sensing methods such as diaphragm, hairspring, and magnetic force, as well as electromechanical driving methods such as synchro, rotary synchronizer, and motor.

[0003] Flight simulators are high-end technological simulation equipment used to train pilots and flight operators, playing an irreplaceable role as a crucial part of modern aviation training. To ensure the operational logic and onboard components are realistically consistent, the instruments in the flight simulator cockpit often need to perfectly replicate all flight states of real onboard instruments, thus achieving realistic flight training. The multi-pointer instruments used in flight simulators, whether using real onboard components or simulated components, both have many shortcomings. For example, simulated instruments using hollow shaft motors (Utility Model Patent No.: 201620934954.4) and simulated instruments using automotive instrument motors. The use of onboard instruments in flight simulators is problematic because flight simulators are located indoors on the ground, and some onboard instruments cannot meet the requirements due to the simulator's inability to provide objectively realistic physical conditions (such as atmospheric pressure and temperature). Incompatible interface protocols make data transmission difficult and measurement data prone to distortion; fixed functions do not support configuration functions, parameter modification, or fault injection, which are required for flight simulators; high price, with extremely high reliability requirements for airborne instruments, complex manufacturing processes, and long testing cycles, resulting in extremely high manufacturing costs; difficult maintenance, with complex structures of airborne instruments, requiring specialized resources for repairs after malfunctions, leading to long repair cycles and high repair costs. Flight simulators often use simulated instrumentation components, such as hollow-shaft motors or automotive instrument motors. This limited selection, resulted in larger sizes and inconvenient installation. For example, the smallest hollow-shaft stepper motor available for multi-pointer instruments is 28mm*28mm*70mm, followed by 42mm*42mm*50mm. A dual-pointer automotive instrument motor, measuring 32mm*60mm*20mm, is also unsuitable for multi-pointer instruments. Simulated instrumentation components are mostly used for single- or dual-pointer instruments, and there are physical limitations to implementing instruments with more points. For instance, a 28mm*28mm*70mm motor has a hollow shaft diameter of only 4.2mm, which can only pass through a maximum of two hollow shafts, exceeding 140mm in length, making installation difficult. Furthermore, simulated instrumentation components often use open-loop control, leading to lower display accuracy and calibration difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the existing problems, the present invention provides a coaxial multi-pointer instrument and a flight simulator to achieve the purpose of the present invention.

[0005] A coaxial multi-pointer instrument for use in a flight simulator includes: a housing, a top cover, and a bottom cover. A display component, a pointer driving component, a control module, and a measurement component are disposed in the cavity formed by the housing, the top cover, and the bottom cover. The display component is disposed behind the top cover and is used to display the rotation of the pointer. The pointer driving component is used to drive different pointers to rotate; The measuring component is set in the pointer driving component and is used to measure the action signal of the corresponding component and input the action signal to the control module. The control module adjusts the operation of the pointer drive component based on the received action signals.

[0006] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementation, a further implementation is provided in which the display component includes a first pointer, a second pointer, an instrument display panel, a lamp panel, and a central dial, which are sequentially disposed within an upper cover with a lens, wherein the first pointer and the second pointer are coaxially disposed on the instrument display panel, the instrument display panel and the lamp panel are adjacent to each other, and the lamp panel is disposed on one side of the central dial.

[0007] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided, wherein the pointer driving component includes a first pointer driving component and a second pointer driving component. The first pointer driving component includes a first drive motor, a fixed bracket, and a first gear and an intermediate gear shaft that mesh with each other. The drive motor is mounted on the fixed bracket, the first gear is connected to the motor shaft of the drive motor and is fixed to the middle positioning plate by bearings, and the intermediate gear shaft is fixed to the fixed bracket by bearings and meshes with the first gear. The upper part of the intermediate gear shaft is connected to the first pointer. The second pointer drive assembly includes a second drive motor, a fixed bracket, and a meshing second gear and a hollow gear shaft. The second drive motor is mounted on the fixed bracket, and the second gear is connected to the motor shaft of the second drive motor and fixed to the middle positioning plate by bearings. The hollow gear shaft is sleeved on the middle gear shaft and fixed to the middle positioning plate, and the upper part of the hollow gear shaft is connected to the second pointer.

[0008] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which a first magnet is provided on the top of the first gear, a second magnet is provided on the top of the second gear, a first gap-eliminating spring is provided at the lower part of the intermediate gear shaft, and a second gap-eliminating spring is provided at the lower part of the hollow gear shaft.

[0009] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided, which further includes an upper positioning plate, wherein the middle positioning plate is fixed to the upper plate below the other side of the central dial via a spacer.

[0010] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the control module is fixed on the fixed bracket and connected to the bottom cover via a plurality of guide posts. The bottom cover is provided with a central hole, and control lines are introduced from the central hole of the bottom cover by other components of the flight simulator and connected to the control module.

[0011] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which the measuring component comprises two angle sensors, a first angle sensor disposed above the first magnet and a second angle sensor disposed above the second magnet.

[0012] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, an implementation is further provided in which the first gear and the second gear both have the following specifications: 26 teeth, 0.5 module, and are made of nylon PA66.

[0013] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the specifications of the intermediate gear shaft and the hollow gear shaft are both: 26 teeth, 0.5 module, and tin bronze QSn6.5-0.4.

[0014] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the dimensions of both the first gap-eliminating spring and the second gap-eliminating spring are: outer diameter 8mm, pitch 3mm, and wire diameter 0.8mm.

[0015] The present invention also provides a flight simulator, including the instruments of the present invention.

[0016] Beneficial effects of the present invention The instrument of this invention solves the problems of difficult interface design, fixed and limited functions, high cost, and difficult maintenance of airborne components. The instrument design of this invention only requires a simple communication interface and a general-purpose motor control; it uses existing program control for rotation and function; it uses general off-the-shelf products and common electromechanical technology and components, requiring no specialized knowledge or skills in atmospheric, pressure, or magnetic fields; simultaneously, it solves the problem of coaxial multi-pointer drive motors and their structural components installation layout within the confined space of simulation components. This invention uses a micro-motor and a specific bracket structure, and employs measuring components for rotation angle measurement and processing. The instrument of this invention has the following advantages: (1) The micro motor and gear set commonly used in shelving are adopted, resulting in low overall cost; one optional micro motor has a size of 12mm*10mm*25mm and a 0.5mm molded gear plate; (2) Achieve coaxial 2-pointer or higher settings in a small space; the outer diameter of a single-pointer instrument is less than 16mm, and the minimum outer diameter of a 3-pointer instrument is 34mm. (3) Digital closed-loop control, which facilitates integrated control; (4) Facilitates the development of simulation parts for old pointer instruments in flight simulators. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the main drive mechanism of the instrument of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a sectional view of the main drive mechanism of the instrument of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the instrument assembly of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the instrument of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To better understand the technical solution of this invention, the content of this invention includes, but is not limited to, the specific embodiments described below. Similar technologies and methods should be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] It should be understood that the embodiments described in this invention are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0020] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention provides a coaxial multi-pointer instrument for use in a flight simulator, comprising: a housing, a top cover, and a bottom cover. A display component, a pointer driving component, a control module, and a measurement component are disposed in the cavity formed by the housing, the top cover, and the bottom cover. The display component is disposed behind the top cover and is used to display the rotation of the pointer. The pointer driving component is used to drive different pointers to rotate; The measuring component is set in the pointer driving component and is used to measure the action signal of the corresponding component and input the action signal to the control module. The control module adjusts the operation of the pointer drive component based on the received action signals.

[0022] Furthermore, the display assembly includes a first pointer, a second pointer, an instrument display panel, a lamp panel, and a central dial, which are sequentially disposed within an upper cover with a lens. The first pointer and the second pointer are coaxially disposed on the instrument display panel, the instrument display panel and the lamp panel are adjacent to each other, and the lamp panel is disposed on one side of the central dial.

[0023] Furthermore, the pointer driving assembly includes a first pointer driving assembly and a second pointer driving assembly. The first pointer driving assembly includes a first drive motor, a fixed bracket, and a first gear and an intermediate gear shaft that mesh with each other. The drive motor is mounted on the fixed bracket, the first gear is connected to the motor shaft of the drive motor and is fixed to the middle positioning plate by bearings, and the intermediate gear shaft is fixed to the fixed bracket by bearings and meshes with the first gear. The upper part of the intermediate gear shaft is connected to the first pointer. The second pointer drive assembly includes a second drive motor, a fixed bracket, and a meshing second gear and a hollow gear shaft. The second drive motor is mounted on the fixed bracket, and the second gear is connected to the motor shaft of the second drive motor and fixed to the middle positioning plate by bearings. The hollow gear shaft is sleeved on the middle gear shaft and fixed to the middle positioning plate, and the upper part of the hollow gear shaft is connected to the second pointer.

[0024] Furthermore, a first magnet is provided on the top of the first gear, a second magnet is provided on the top of the second gear, a first gap-eliminating spring is provided at the lower part of the intermediate gear shaft, and a second gap-eliminating spring is provided at the lower part of the hollow gear shaft.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes an upper positioning plate, wherein the middle positioning plate is fixed to the upper plate via a spacer below the other side of the central dial.

[0026] Furthermore, the control module is fixed on the fixed bracket and connected to the bottom cover through several guide posts. The bottom cover is provided with a central hole, and the control line is introduced from the central hole of the bottom cover by other components of the flight simulator and connected to the control module.

[0027] Furthermore, the measuring component consists of two angle sensors, with the first angle sensor positioned above the first magnet and the second angle sensor positioned above the second magnet.

[0028] Specifically, the instrument of this invention can be equipped with up to four micro motors, which are evenly distributed in a cross shape. Each motor is connected to a pointer and a fixed bracket structure for pointer transmission and position measurement. The working principle of the instrument of this invention is that the control module (including the motor drive module) controls the transmission of the motor and its pointer gear mechanism mounted on the fixed bracket through signals. An angle sensor measures the angle signal of the gear rotation in real time. The control module collects the angle signal through an embedded program to correct and control the motor, thereby accurately and in real time controlling the instrument pointer, forming a true multi-pointer instrument closed-loop control method. The embedded program used is an existing program, which will not be described in detail in this invention.

[0029] This invention uses two pointers as an example to illustrate the specific construction process: A micro motor 1, serving as the first motor, is mounted on a fixed bracket 2. A first gear 3 is fixed to the motor shaft using M2X5 set screws. The motor dimensions are 12mm*10mm*25mm, and the gear parameters are: 26 teeth, 0.5 module, and nylon PA66 material. Using a motor and gear of this size within the limited space of a 45mm diameter cylinder effectively reduces costs. A first magnet 4 is mounted on the top of the first gear 3, and an MR128ZZ bearing 5 is fitted onto the first gear 3, which is then fixed to the central positioning plate 6. An MR106ZZ bearing 8 is fitted onto the intermediate gear shaft 7, and together they are fixed to the fixed bracket 2 to mesh with the first gear 3. The gear on the intermediate gear shaft 7 has 26 teeth, a 0.5 module, and is made of tin bronze QSn6.5-0.4. Using a motor and gears of this size within the limited space of a 45mm diameter cylinder effectively reduces costs. The meshing of tin bronze nylon QSn6.5-0.4 gears and nylon PA66 gears not only provides wear resistance but also reduces rotational noise. A first backlash-eliminating spring 9 is mounted on the lower part of the intermediate gear shaft 7 using a snap ring. The spring has dimensions of 8mm outer diameter, 3mm pitch, and 0.8mm wire diameter. This spring provides suitable elasticity to effectively eliminate assembly gaps in the pointer, ensuring smooth rotation, accurate pointing, and rapid stopping. The upper part of the intermediate gear shaft 7 is connected to the first pointer 10. Another second micro motor 11 is also mounted on the fixed bracket 2. A second gear 12 is fixed to the motor shaft with an M2X5 set screw. The gear parameters are: 26 teeth, 0.5 module, and nylon PA66 material. A second magnet 13 is mounted on the top of the second gear 12. The second gear 12 is also fitted with an MR128ZZ bearing 5 and fixed to the central positioning plate 6. After the hollow gear shaft 14 is fitted with the MR128ZZ bearing 5, it is sleeved on the intermediate gear shaft 7. Since the hollow gear shaft 14 and the intermediate gear shaft 7 have no internal contact, they rotate independently. After being fixed on the central positioning plate 6, it meshes with the second gear 12. The gear on the hollow gear shaft 14 has 26 teeth, a module of 0.5, and is made of tin bronze QSn6.5-0.4.The intermediate gear shaft 7 and the hollow gear shaft 14 operate independently without interference. The intermediate positioning plate 6 passes through the upper positioning plate 32 via four spacers 15. The positioning plate 32 controls the meshing clearance of each gear through the spacing of its positioning mounting holes. It is then fixed to the lower side of the central dial 16. A second backlash-eliminating spring 17 with the following dimensions is installed above the hollow gear shaft 14: outer diameter 8mm, pitch 3mm, wire diameter 0.8mm. The top of the hollow gear shaft 14 is connected to the second pointer 18. The control module 19 is mounted on the fixed bracket 2 via three M2X30mm guide posts 20. The rear fixed bottom cover 21 is connected to the control module 19 via two M2X30mm guide posts 20. The control line is introduced from the center hole of the rear fixed bottom cover 21, passes through a connector, and is fixed to the control module 19. Thus, the entire motor assembly, gear assembly, and circuit board assembly are connected through the four mounting holes on the fixed bracket 2. The entire assembly is fixed to the central dial 16 at the top using four M2.5X10 screws. A light panel 22 and an instrument display panel 23 are located on top, with the light panel 22 fixed to the lower side of the instrument display panel 23. All these components are fixed to the central dial 16. Additionally, the first angle sensor 27 and the second angle sensor 28 above the first outer magnet 4 and the second magnet 13 are also fixed to their corresponding positions below the central dial 16 using four M2X10 screws passing through washers 26. As the first gear 3 and the second gear 12 rotate, they drive the first magnet 4 and the second magnet 13 above them to rotate. The first angle sensor 27 and the second angle sensor 28 above the magnets monitor the gear rotation angle in real time, transmit the signal to the control module 19, process it, and then calibrate the first micro motor 1 and the second micro motor 11 respectively, forming a closed-loop control. All these components are finally fixed to the central dial 16 to form an integrated module. The central dial 16 is made of polyurethane rubber with a hardness of 70A. This material has good shock resistance, damping, and cushioning functions, effectively suppressing vibrations and noise caused by the meshing of ordinary motors and gears. The transmission mechanism is as follows: the first micro motor 1 meshes with the intermediate gear shaft 7 via the first gear 3, and the top of the intermediate gear shaft 7 is connected to the first pointer 10, ultimately driving the first pointer 10 to rotate. The second micro motor 11, located in a mirror position, meshes with the hollow gear shaft 14 via the second gear 12, and the top of the hollow gear shaft 14 is connected to the second pointer 18, ultimately driving the second pointer 18 to rotate. The rear fixed bottom cover 21 is connected to the outer casing 29, and the top cover 30, along with the lens 31, is installed on the outer casing 29, forming a relatively enclosed instrument cavity. Each pointer is connected to its corresponding drive motor via a gear. The control module controls different motors through an embedded program, thereby controlling the rotation of the corresponding pointer. The pointers are arranged via hollow shafts, and each pointer operates independently without interference.

[0030] The instrument of this invention is driven by a motor and forms a closed-loop control system with an angle acquisition device. It is simple to control, low in cost, and highly reliable. It uses gears and gear shafts, as well as hollow gear shafts, to enable free rotation of multiple pointers at any position. The use of backlash-eliminating springs can effectively eliminate gear meshing backlash, making the instrument pointer move steadily and stop accurately. The integrated vibration-damping dial design ensures smooth pointer rotation without noise or vibration. It has complete functions, allows for parameter adjustment at any time, and enables rapid fault injection for convenient simulation. The modular design makes the structure simple, reliable, highly versatile, and provides good maintainability with autonomous control.

[0031] According to the embodiments disclosed in this invention, the present invention also provides a flight simulator equipped with the instruments described herein. By configuring these instruments, all flight states of real airborne instruments can be perfectly replicated, thereby achieving realistic flight training. The foregoing description illustrates and describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, as previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coaxial multi-pointer instrument, characterized in that, include: The outer shell, top cover, and bottom cover are provided with a display component, a pointer drive component, a control module, and a measuring component in the cavity formed by the outer shell, top cover, and bottom cover. The display component is located behind the top cover and is used to display the rotation of the pointer. The pointer driving component is used to drive different pointers to rotate; The measuring component is set in the pointer driving component and is used to measure the action signal of the corresponding component and input the action signal to the control module. The control module adjusts the operation of the pointer drive component based on the received action signals.

2. The instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display assembly includes a first pointer, a second pointer, an instrument display panel, a lamp panel, and a central dial, which are sequentially arranged inside an upper cover with a lens. The first pointer and the second pointer are coaxially arranged on the instrument display panel, the instrument display panel and the lamp panel are adjacent to each other, and the lamp panel is arranged on one side of the central dial.

3. The instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pointer driving assembly includes a first pointer driving assembly and a second pointer driving assembly. The first pointer driving assembly includes a first drive motor, a fixed bracket, and a first gear and an intermediate gear shaft that mesh with each other. The drive motor is mounted on the fixed bracket, the first gear is connected to the motor shaft of the drive motor and is fixed to the middle positioning plate by bearings, and the intermediate gear shaft is fixed to the fixed bracket by bearings and meshes with the first gear. The upper part of the intermediate gear shaft is connected to the first pointer. The second pointer drive assembly includes a second drive motor, a fixed bracket, and a meshing second gear and a hollow gear shaft. The second drive motor is mounted on the fixed bracket, and the second gear is connected to the motor shaft of the second drive motor and fixed to the middle positioning plate by bearings. The hollow gear shaft is sleeved on the middle gear shaft and fixed to the middle positioning plate, and the upper part of the hollow gear shaft is connected to the second pointer.

4. The instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first magnet is provided on the top of the first gear, a second magnet is provided on the top of the second gear, a first gap-eliminating spring is provided at the lower part of the intermediate gear shaft, and a second gap-eliminating spring is provided at the lower part of the hollow gear shaft.

5. The instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an upper positioning plate, which is fixed to the upper plate via a spacer below the other side of the central dial.

6. The instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control module is fixed on the fixed bracket and connected to the bottom cover through several guide posts. The bottom cover has a central hole, and the control line is introduced from the central hole of the bottom cover by other components of the flight simulator and connected to the control module.

7. The instrument according to claim 4, characterized in that, The measuring component consists of two angle sensors: a first angle sensor positioned above the first magnet and a second angle sensor positioned above the second magnet.

8. The instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first gear and the second gear both have the following specifications: 26 teeth, 0.5 module, and are made of nylon PA66.

9. The instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, The specifications of the intermediate gear shaft and the hollow gear shaft are: 26 teeth, 0.5 module, and tin bronze QSn6.5-0.

4.

10. A flight simulator, characterized in that, The flight simulator includes the instrument described in any one of claims 1-9.

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