Aircraft Flight Controls With Personalized Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fly-by-wire (FBW) aircraft flight control systems lack the ability to provide personalized feedback to pilots, failing to replicate the tactile sensations of mechanically connected controls and thus compromising pilot comfort and control efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft flight control apparatus with a control input device and a feeling feedback apparatus, controlled by a processing unit that generates aircraft control signals and applies forces based on user-specific profiles, including parameters like spring constant, friction, and damping, to tailor the feel of the controls to individual pilot preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fly-by-wire control systems are used to improve aircraft control precision and efficiency, then control precision is improved, but pilot comfort and tactile feedback deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active force feedback systems that provide real-time tactile feedback to the pilot through the control input device. The feedback apparatus generates forces that simulate aerodynamic loads and control surface reactions, allowing pilots to feel aircraft behavior and control surface positions despite the lack of direct mechanical connection, thus maintaining pilot comfort while preserving control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical connection systems with active electronic control systems that use sensors, processors, and actuators. The flight control computer processes pilot inputs and generates control signals, while force feedback actuators replace mechanical linkages to provide tactile feedback, achieving both digital precision and sensory feedback.
2Ease of operation
If passive mechanical components (springs, dampers, friction elements) are incorporated to replicate control feel, then pilot comfort is improved, but feedback on actual aircraft behaviour is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active force feedback systems that provide real-time tactile feedback to the pilot through the control input device. The feedback apparatus generates forces that simulate aerodynamic loads and control surface reactions, allowing pilots to feel aircraft behavior and control surface positions despite the lack of direct mechanical connection, thus maintaining pilot comfort while preserving control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static passive mechanical components to dynamic active electronic systems. The force feedback apparatus can dynamically adjust its characteristics based on flight conditions, aircraft state, and control surface positions, providing accurate tactile representation of actual aircraft behavior rather than fixed mechanical resistance.
3Device complexity
If standardized flight controls are used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different pilot requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables customization of force feedback parameters such as spring constants, damping coefficients, and friction characteristics through software configuration. Pilots can adjust these parameters to match their personal preferences and physical characteristics, allowing standardized hardware to provide personalized control experiences without increasing physical system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal flight control system that can serve multiple pilot preferences and aircraft configurations through software programmability. The force feedback apparatus can be configured to provide different control characteristics for various flight phases, aircraft types, and pilot requirements, making a single system adaptable to multiple scenarios.
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
Enhances pilot comfort and reduces fatigue by providing customizable feedback that adapts to individual pilot characteristics, improving control precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a feeling feedback apparatus arranged to apply force to the control input component
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft flight control apparatus includes a control input device comprising a moveable control input component and a feeling feedback apparatus. A processing apparatus is arranged to use user information to determine a control input profile and generate at least one aircraft control signal and/or control the feeling feedback apparatus to apply force to the control input component. The processing apparatus is arranged to generate the at least one aircraft control signal and/or control the feeling feedback apparatus based at least partially on the control input profile.