Aircraft Inceptor Resistive Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft fly-by-wire systems with passive inceptors provide reduced situational awareness for pilots compared to older cable systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling the resistive force of an aircraft inceptor based on a force feel profile, where the profile is adjusted according to the difference between current and baseline values of an aircraft operating parameter, such as acceleration or load on a flight control surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive inceptors are used in fly-by-wire systems, then device complexity is reduced, but situational awareness for pilots deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inceptor resistive force dynamically adjustable based on real-time aircraft operating conditions. The force feel profile is continuously modified according to parameters such as acceleration, load on flight control surfaces, and inertial properties, allowing the passive inceptor to provide dynamic tactile feedback that enhances situational awareness without requiring active electronic components in the inceptor itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using aircraft operating parameters (acceleration, control surface load, inertial properties) to continuously adjust the resistive force applied to the inceptor. This creates a closed-loop system where the pilot's tactile feedback on the inceptor reflects current aircraft state, improving situational awareness while maintaining the simplicity of passive inceptor hardware.
2Loss of information
If resistive force is dynamically adjusted based on operating parameters, then situational awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a force feel profile modification system that acts as a mediator between the aircraft's flight control computer and the passive inceptor. This intermediary layer processes operating parameters and adjusts the resistive force characteristics without requiring complex electronics within the inceptor itself, distributing complexity to the control system rather than the inceptor hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the force feel profile parameters (resistive force characteristics) based on aircraft operating conditions. The system changes physical parameters such as breakout force, gradient, and soft stop characteristics dynamically, allowing enhanced situational awareness through tactile feedback while maintaining the simplicity of the passive inceptor structure.
3Productivity
If force feel profile is shifted based on operating parameter differences, then control responsiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the force feel profile adjustable and shiftable based on real-time operating parameters rather than fixed during manufacturing. The system dynamically modifies the profile to account for variations in aircraft inertial properties, acceleration, and control surface loads, improving control responsiveness without requiring extreme manufacturing precision for each individual component.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for adjusting a force feel profile of an inceptor of an aircraft are provided. The force feel profile is based on a baseline value of an operating parameter of the aircraft and defines an amount of resistive force applied to the inceptor as a function of displacement of the inceptor. An embodiment of the method includes receiving data indicative of a current value of the operating parameter. Based on a difference between the current value and the baseline value of the operating parameter, a portion of the force feel profile corresponding to a range of displacement values is shifted to adjust an amount of resistive force defined by the portion of the force feel profile for the range of displacement values.