Artificial Force Restoring Mechanism for Aircraft Control Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for aircraft control surfaces, particularly mini-sticks, lack a natural opposing force in electrical or electronic systems, and are affected by physiological asymmetry in wrist movements, leading to asymmetrical control maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stationary and moving finger, a slab, and interposed springs that provide varying opposing forces to mimic natural resistance, allowing for compact and adaptable control, with optional varying spring stiffness and motor-driven adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrical or electronic control systems are used for aircraft control surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but opposing force is lost leading to poor control precision
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the electronic control system and the pilot's input. The spring provides the necessary opposing force (artificial feel) without requiring complex mechanical linkages, thus maintaining the simplicity of the electronic system while restoring tactile feedback for precise control.
2Ease of operation
If mini-stick design is used with armrest support, then ease of operation is improved for pilots, but physiological asymmetry of wrist movements causes asymmetrical control maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is configured with asymmetric preloading or stiffness characteristics to compensate for the physiological asymmetry in pilot wrist movements. This allows the control system to provide differential opposing forces that normalize the asymmetric input, ensuring symmetrical control responses despite asymmetric human physiology.
3Measurement precision
If artificial opposing force is added to electrical control systems, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to be self-regulating, providing opposing force automatically based on the position and movement of the control stick. The system uses the pilot's own input motion to compress or extend the spring, which then generates the appropriate reactive force without requiring external control systems or additional energy input.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable spring stiffness is used to adapt to different response curves, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring stiffness parameter is varied by changing the spring's geometric parameters (wire diameter, coil diameter, number of coils) rather than using complex adjustable mechanisms. This allows different spring characteristics to be achieved through standard manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of production while providing adaptability for different control requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device ensures symmetrical control maneuvers by providing artificial opposing forces that adapt to wrist movements, enhancing control precision and safety through customizable response curves and motor-assisted operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring interposed between the stationary, first finger and the slab; and a second spring interposed between the moving, second finger and the slab
Data Source
AI summary
A device for artificially restoring an opposing force for a device for remotely controlling an aircraft control surface, the device comprising: an actuator member (1) mounted to pivot about an axis (2) and entrain a rotary shaft (3); a stationary finger (8) parallel to said shaft (3) and supported at a radial distance from the shaft; a moving finger (5) secured to the shaft and supported at the same radial distance as the stationary finger, both fingers being parallel to the shaft; a slab (9) supported at the same radial distance as the fingers and disposed beside them; a first spring (11) between the stationary finger and the slab; and a second spring (10) between the moving finger and the slab.