An active elbow support that can fix and release the elbow as needed.

Abstract

This invention discloses an active elbow support capable of timely fixing and releasing the elbow, comprising a sensor module integrated into the control handle, an onboard processing unit, an elbow support assembly, and a steel plate embedded in the flight suit. The sensor module includes pressure sensors, capacitive human body sensors, and microwave human body sensors; the onboard processing unit includes a power module, a surge protection module, a signal processing module, a database module, a processing module, and an execution module; the elbow support assembly includes elbow support components, support arm components, a support component, and a slide rail component; the steel plate embedded in the flight suit includes the flight suit elbow, a silicone pad, and a thin steel plate. This invention is primarily applied to aircraft with side-mounted control sticks, providing a novel electromagnetic elbow support that actively fixes and releases the pilot's elbow according to the pilot's needs. It provides reliable and stable fixation for the pilot's elbow while operating the aircraft, preventing the elbow from slipping off the elbow support due to lateral flight forces, thus ensuring flight safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to auxiliary devices in the cockpit of an aircraft, and in particular, to an elbow rest that actively secures the pilot's elbow in the cockpit system, i.e., an active elbow rest that can secure and release the elbow as needed. Background Technology

[0002] With the gradual development of aircraft integration and electrification, and the continuous improvement of hydraulic and control systems, more and more aircraft are abandoning the traditional center-mounted control stick layout in favor of a side-mounted control stick. This reduces the weight and difficulty of operation, and lowers the pilot's workload. However, with the widespread adoption of side-mounted control sticks, the traditional fixed elbow rest can no longer meet the needs. When the pilot is performing a turn, the lateral force can cause the pilot's elbow to slip off the elbow rest, interfering with the pilot's control. Furthermore, due to the lateral slippage of the elbow, the pilot must tense the shoulder and back muscles to maintain elbow stability, thus reducing the pilot's instantaneous response speed to aircraft controls.

[0003] Some existing aircraft employ a side-mounted control stick structure. Due to the high seating position and lack of elbow rests, the pilot's elbows cannot be properly secured during operation. During high-G maneuvers, elbow sway and shoulder fatigue can affect pilot posture and operational dexterity. Furthermore, the instantaneous acceleration during emergency lateral maneuvers is significant, potentially causing the pilot's arm to collide with the cabin wall, posing a safety hazard.

[0004] Since the right hand is used for various operations besides operating the joystick, such as switching on and off and touch controls, it is functionally limited to not using a restraint strap to fix the hand. Therefore, for models with side-mounted joysticks, developing an active elbow support that can fix and release the elbow as needed is crucial. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem that the elbow cannot be fixed in existing joystick side-mounted models, and to provide a new type of active elbow support that can fix and release the elbow in a timely manner.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A novel active elbow support capable of timely fixing and loosening of the elbow, comprising a sensor module (2) integrated in the operating handle, an airborne processing unit (3), an elbow support assembly (4), and a flight suit embedded steel plate (5). The sensor module (2) includes a pressure sensor, a capacitive human body sensor, and a microwave human body sensor; the airborne processing unit (3) includes a power module, a surge protection module, a signal processing module, a database module, a processing module, and an execution module, etc.; the elbow support assembly includes an elbow support component (10), a support arm component (20), a support component (30), and a slide rail component (40); the flight suit embedded steel plate (5) includes a flight suit elbow (501), a silicone pad (502), and a thin steel plate (503). The sensor module (2) includes a pressure sensor, a capacitive human body sensor, and a microwave human body sensor; the sensor module is installed in the direction where the control stick (1) contacts the palm, and is used to sense whether the pilot is gripping the control stick; the output signal of the sensor module is transmitted to the airborne processing unit (3) through a cable. The airborne processing unit (3) is installed inside the cabin wall and includes a power module, a surge protection module, a signal processing module, a database module, a processing module, and an execution module. The power module provides DC power to the elbow rest as a whole. The surge protection module protects the circuit from surges and voltage spikes. The signal processing module converts the signals from the sensor module into digital data and transmits them to the processing module. The database module stores test comparison data, which is used to compare and judge whether the input signal belongs to the control stick, improve the accuracy of judgment, and also provide convenience for the pilot's personalized settings. The core of the processing module is a high-performance processor and a six-axis high-precision accelerometer. It compares and matches the data transmitted by the signal processing module with the data in the database, and adjusts the output of the execution module in real time with the value of the built-in six-axis accelerometer. The execution module is mainly composed of MOS transistors, which provide power to the electromagnet (108) of the elbow rest. The elbow support assembly (4) includes an elbow support component (10), a support arm component (20), a support component (30), and a slide rail component (40); the elbow support component (10) includes an elbow support (101), a positioning pin (102), a cable screw (103), a spring (104), an end cap (105), and a pin cable (106); the elbow support (101) contains an electromagnet (108) component, the upper part of which is a flexible cover with a groove that can cooperate with the steel plate (5) embedded in the flight suit, and the bottom of the elbow support (101) is provided with a mounting hole (107) for connecting the support arm; the positioning pin (102) is a stepped shaft structure, one end of which can be locked in the positioning groove of the support arm (204) of the support arm component (20), and the other end is equipped with a spring (104) and fixed to the elbow support (101) through the end cap (105), and the end has a round hole for installing the pin cable (106).The end cap (105) is fixed to the elbow support (101) by threads, fixing the positioning pin (102) and the spring (104); one end of the pin cable (106) is fixed to the elbow support (101) by a cable screw (103), and the other end is fixed to the hole of the positioning pin (102) by a triangular pull ring; the support arm component (20) includes a fixing pin (201), a first washer (202), a second washer (203), a support arm (204), a small rivet (205), a large spring (206), and a positioning ball (207); the fixing pin (201) 1) One end is flat, and the other end has a pin hole in the radial direction. The fixing pin (201) is located in the connecting support arm mounting hole (107) at the bottom of the elbow support (101). Washers 1 (202) and 2 (203) are placed on both sides of the connecting support arm mounting hole (107). The fixing pin (201) is fixed to the support arm (204) by small rivets (205). Washers 1 (202) and 2 (203) are self-lubricating washers. The front end of the support arm (204) has an elbow support component (10) mounted on a mounting plane, and the rear end has an inner hole. A large spring (20) is placed in the inner hole. 6) and positioning ball (207) to position the support arm (204) on the support (303), which cooperates with the positioning groove on the support (303) for positioning when folding and unfolding the support arm (204). The rear end of the support arm (204) is provided with two mounting lugs, one above the other, and the lugs are provided with mounting holes (208) for connecting the support; the support component (30) includes a knurled bolt (301), a washer (302), a support (303), a large rivet (304) and a slider (305); the knurled bolt (301) is inserted into the screw hole of the support (303) for connection. The slider (305) is fixed on the slide rail and embedded in the slide rail (402). The support (303) is provided with a vertical through hole. The upper and lower mounting lugs of the rear end of the support arm (204) are located at the upper and lower ends of the vertical through hole. A large rivet (304) is inserted in the mounting hole (208) of the connecting support and the vertical through hole to connect the support arm (204) and the support (303). Self-lubricating gaskets (302) are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the vertical through hole. The slider (305) has a "T" shaped cross section and a threaded hole for mating with a knurled bolt (301). The slide rail component (40) includes a screw (401) and a slide rail (402). The slide rail component (40) is mounted to the side wall of the cabin by the screw (401). The slide rail (402) has a "T" shaped groove for mounting the slider (305).

[0007] Advantages of this invention: Primarily applied to aircraft with side-mounted control sticks, this invention aims to design a novel electromagnetic elbow rest that can actively secure and release the pilot's elbow according to their needs. While the pilot is operating the aircraft, it provides reliable and stable support for the elbow, preventing slippage due to lateral flight forces that could compromise flight safety. Conversely, when the pilot needs to operate other functions, the elbow rest can be released promptly without interfering with operation of other functions or switches. It can actively secure the pilot's elbow according to the usage scenario, providing a reliable and stable anchor point, avoiding safety hazards caused by elbow slippage, reducing pilot fatigue, and improving operational reaction speed and comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system composition of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the elbow support assembly of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the elbow support component of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support arm component of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support component and slide rail component of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the steel sheet embedded in the flight suit and the elbow support electromagnet of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the elbow support folding of the present invention ((1) Pull the pin cable to release the positioning (2) Rotate the elbow support to vertical (3) Push the elbow support inward to make the positioning ball disengage from the positioning and complete the folding).

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the folding support arm of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a logic block diagram of the control method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of aiding understanding the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0019] Figures 1 to 10A novel active elbow support capable of timely fixing and releasing the elbow is characterized by comprising a sensor module (2) integrated in the control handle, an airborne processing unit (3), an elbow support assembly (4), and a flight suit embedded steel plate (5). The sensor module (2) includes a pressure sensor, a capacitive human body sensor, and a microwave human body sensor; the airborne processing unit (3) includes a power module, a surge protection module, a signal processing module, a database module, a processing module, and an execution module; the elbow support assembly includes an elbow support component (10), a support arm component (20), a support component (30), and a slide rail component (40); the flight suit embedded steel plate (5) includes a flight suit elbow (501), a silicone pad (502), and a thin steel plate (503). The sensor module (2) includes a pressure sensor, a capacitive human body sensor, and a microwave human body sensor; the sensor module is installed in the direction of contact between the control stick (1) and the palm, and is used to sense whether the pilot is gripping the control stick; the output signal of the sensor module is transmitted to the airborne processing unit (3) via a cable. The airborne processing unit (3) is installed inside the cabin wall and includes a power module, a surge protection module, a signal processing module, a database module, a processing module, and an execution module. The power module provides DC power to the elbow rest as a whole. The surge protection module protects the circuit from surges and voltage spikes. The signal processing module converts the signals from the sensor module into digital data and transmits them to the processing module. The database module stores test comparison data, which is used to compare and judge whether the input signal belongs to the control stick, improve the accuracy of judgment, and also provide convenience for the pilot's personalized settings. The core of the processing module is a high-performance processor and a six-axis high-precision accelerometer. It compares and matches the data transmitted by the signal processing module with the data in the database, and adjusts the output of the execution module in real time with the value of the built-in six-axis accelerometer. The execution module is mainly composed of MOS transistors, which provide power to the electromagnet of the elbow rest. The elbow support assembly (4) includes an elbow support component (10), a support arm component (20), a support component (30), and a slide rail component (40); the elbow support component (10) includes an elbow support (101), a positioning pin (102), a cable screw (103), a spring (104), an end cap (105), and a pin cable (106); the elbow support (101) contains an electromagnet component (108), the upper part of which is flexibly covered and has a groove that can be inserted into the steel plate of the flight suit ( 5) In conjunction with this, the elbow support (101) has a mounting hole (107) for connecting the support arm at the bottom; the positioning pin (102) is a stepped shaft structure, one end of which can be locked in the positioning groove of the support arm (204) of the support arm component (20) to lock the elbow support (101) in a fixed position, and the other end is equipped with a spring (104) and fixed to the elbow support (101) through the end cap (105). The end has a round hole for installing the pin cable (106), and pulling the cable can release the positioning and flip the elbow support (101).The end cap (105) is fixed to the elbow support (101) by threads, fixing the positioning pin (102) and the spring (104); one end of the pin cable (106) is fixed to the elbow support (101) by a cable screw (103), and the other end is fixed to the hole of the positioning pin (102) by a triangular pull ring; the support arm component (20) includes a fixing pin (201), a first washer (202), a second washer (203), a support arm (204), a small rivet (205), a large spring (206), and a positioning ball (207); one end of the fixing pin (201) is flat, and the other end has a pin hole in the radial direction. The fixing pin (201) is located on the elbow support (101). Inside the mounting through hole (107) at the bottom, a first gasket (202) and a second gasket (203) are placed on both sides of the mounting hole (107) for connecting the support arm. The fixing pin (201) is fixed to the support arm (204) by a small rivet (205). The first gasket (202) and the second gasket (203) are self-lubricating gaskets. The front end of the support arm (204) has a mounting plane mounting elbow support component (10), and the rear end has an inner hole. The inner hole holds a large spring (206) and a positioning ball (207) to position the support arm (204) on the support (303). The positioning groove on the support (303) is used to position the support arm (204) when folding and unfolding, and to support it. The arm (204) has two mounting lugs at its rear end, with mounting holes (208) on the lugs; the support component (30) includes a knurled bolt (301), a washer (302), a support (303), a large rivet (304), and a slider (305); the knurled bolt (301) passes through the screw hole of the support (303) and connects the slider (305) to the slide rail, which is fixed to the slide rail. The slider (305) is embedded in the slide rail (402). After loosening the knurled bolt (301), the slider (305) can slide back and forth on the slide rail (402), thereby adjusting the position of the elbow support assembly (4) so ​​that the elbow support can meet the usage requirements of different arm lengths; the support (303) is provided with a vertical The support arm (204) has two mounting lugs at the rear end, located at the upper and lower ends of the vertical through hole. The lugs have mounting holes (208) and large rivets (304) that pass through the vertical through hole to connect the support arm (204) and the support (303). Self-lubricating gaskets (302) are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the vertical through hole. The support arm (204) and the slide rail (402) and the support (303) have circular grooves for positioning the support arm (204) when folding and unfolding. The large rivets (304) are used to assemble the support arm (204) and the support (303). The slider (305) has a "T" shaped cross section and a threaded hole that fits with the knurled bolt (301).When the knurled bolt (301) is loosened, the slider can slide within the slide rail (402). Tightening the knurled bolt (301) provides effective fixation. The slide rail component (40) includes a screw (401) and a slide rail (402). The slide rail component (40) is mounted to the side wall of the cabin by the screw (401). The slide rail (402) has a T-slot for mounting the slider (305).

[0020] The elbow support assembly (4) can be adjusted forward and backward via the slide rail to meet the needs of different arm lengths;

[0021] The elbow support assembly (4) can be folded toward the bulkhead, the folding process as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the folding process of the support arm component (20) is as follows: Figure 9 As shown. The folded elbow rest assembly (4) provides more space for ground maintenance and pilot access to and from the cabin;

[0022] The novel control method for an active elbow support that enables timely fixation and release of the elbow is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the process is as follows:

[0023] Initially, the elbow rest folds into the side wall, not obstructing the pilot's entry and exit from the cockpit, and the electromagnet in the elbow rest is not energized. When the aircraft engine starts, the system activates. If the pilot grips the control stick, a sensor generates a change in electrical signal. The CPU analyzes and compares this change; if the pilot is gripping the control stick, the electromagnet is activated to attract the steel plate on the flight suit, securing the pilot's elbow. When the pilot needs to perform operations such as switching on / off or consulting manuals, simply releasing the hand automatically cuts off the power to the electromagnet, releasing the restraint and allowing for uninterrupted operation. Specifically, during high-acceleration scenarios such as takeoff, landing, and maneuvers, the system automatically increases the current to enhance the attraction force; during stable descent conditions such as cruise, the current decreases to reduce heat generation and extend the electromagnet's lifespan.

[0024] In terms of identification, a large number of electrical signal samples were collected from gloved hands to build a sufficient underlying database, enabling accurate identification when pilots operate while wearing flight gloves, thus meeting usage requirements.

[0025] Because the flight suit is relatively loose, the elbow rest only fixes the elbow within a certain range, without causing excessive restriction and affecting comfort; and because it allows the elbow to slide back and forth within a certain range, it has little impact on the lever push-off and pull-back actions, which meets the usage requirements.

[0026] The above description merely illustrates embodiments of the present invention and is quite specific and detailed; however, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An active elbow support that can achieve timely fixation and loosening of the elbow, characterized in that: It consists of a sensor module (2) integrated in the operating handle, an airborne processing unit (3), an elbow support assembly (4), and a flight suit embedded steel plate (5); the elbow support assembly (4) includes an elbow support component (10), a support arm component (20), a support component (30), and a slide rail component (40). The elbow support component (10) includes an elbow support (101), a positioning pin (102), a cable screw (103), a spring (104), an end cap (105), and a pin cable (106); the elbow support (101) contains an electromagnet (108) component, the upper part of which is a flexible cover with a groove, the groove cooperating with the steel plate (5) embedded in the flight suit, and the bottom of the elbow support (101) is provided with a mounting hole (107) for connecting the support arm; the positioning pin (102) is a stepped shaft structure, one end of which is inserted into the positioning groove of the support arm (204) of the support arm component (20). The other end is equipped with a spring (104) and is fixed to the elbow support (101) by an end cap (105). The end of the positioning pin (102) has a round hole for installing the pin cable (106). The end cap (105) is fixed to the elbow support (101) by threads and the end cap (105) fixes the positioning pin (102) and the spring (104). One end of the pin cable (106) is fixed to the elbow support (101) by a cable screw (103), and the other end is fixed to the round hole of the positioning pin (102) by a triangular pull ring. The support arm component (20) includes a fixing pin (201), a first washer (202), a second washer (203), a support arm (204), a small rivet (205), a large spring (206), and a positioning ball (207). One end of the fixing pin (201) is flat, and the other end has a pin hole in the radial direction. The fixing pin (201) is located in the connecting support arm mounting hole (107) at the bottom of the elbow support (101). The first washer (202) and the second washer (203) are placed on both sides of the connecting support arm mounting hole (107). The fixing pin (201) is fixed to the support arm (204) by the small rivet (205). On the support arm (204), the first gasket (202) and the second gasket (203) are self-lubricating gaskets; the front end of the support arm (204) has a mounting plane, the mounting plane is used to mount the elbow support component (10), the rear end of the support arm (204) has an inner hole, the inner hole is used to place a large spring (206) and a positioning ball (207) to position the support arm (204) on the support (303), and cooperate with the positioning groove on the support (303) for positioning when folding and unfolding the support arm (204). The rear end of the support arm (204) is provided with two mounting lugs, one above the other, and the mounting lugs are provided with mounting holes (208) for connecting the support. The support component (30) includes a knurled bolt (301), a washer (302), a support (303), a large rivet (304), and a slider (305). The knurled bolt (301) passes through the threaded hole of the support (303) to connect the slider (305) and fix it on the slide rail. The slider (305) is embedded in the slide rail (402). The support (303) is provided with a vertical through hole. The upper and lower mounting lugs provided at the rear end of the support arm (204) are located at the upper and lower ends of the vertical through hole. The large rivet (304) passes through the mounting hole (208) of the connecting support and the vertical through hole to connect the support arm (204) and the support (303). Self-lubricating washers (302) are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the vertical through hole. The slider (305) has a "T" shaped cross section and a threaded hole on the slider (305) to cooperate with the knurled bolt (301). The slide rail component (40) includes a screw (401) and a slide rail (402). The slide rail component (40) is mounted to the elbow support assembly to the side wall of the cabin by the screw (401). The slide rail (402) has a "T" groove for mounting a slider (305).

2. The active elbow support according to claim 1, capable of timely fixing and loosening of the elbow, characterized in that: The sensor module (2) includes a pressure sensor, a capacitive human body sensor, and a microwave human body sensor; the airborne processing unit (3) includes a power supply module, a surge protection module, a signal processing module, a database module, a processing module, and an execution module; the flight suit embedded steel plate (5) includes the flight suit elbow (501), a silicone pad (502), and a thin steel plate (503).

3. The active elbow support according to claim 2, which enables timely fixation and release of the elbow, is characterized in that: The sensor module is installed in the direction where the control stick (1) contacts the palm, and is used to sense whether the pilot is gripping the control stick; the output signal of the sensor module is transmitted to the airborne processing unit (3) through a cable.

4. The active elbow support capable of timely fixing and releasing the elbow as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The airborne processing unit (3) is installed inside the cabin wall and includes a power module, a surge protection module, a signal processing module, a database module, a processing module, and an execution module. The power module provides DC power to the elbow rest as a whole. The surge protection module protects the circuit from surges and voltage spikes. The signal processing module converts the signals from the sensor module into digital data and transmits them to the processing module. The database module stores test comparison data to compare and determine whether the input signal indicates that the joystick is being held. The core of the processing module is a high-performance processor and a six-axis high-precision accelerometer. It compares and matches the data transmitted by the signal processing module with the data in the database and adjusts the output of the execution module in real time with the value of the built-in six-axis accelerometer. The execution module is mainly composed of MOS transistors and provides power to the electromagnet (108) of the elbow rest.

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