Aircraft Inceptor Trim Mechanism With Spring-Loaded Neutral Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft inceptor trim systems are overly complex when inceptor back-driving is not required, often involving intricate mechanical and electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanical system with a preload force mechanism using an inceptor centring spring and trim locking device, allowing adjustment of the inceptor neutral position through a mechanically coupled trim mechanism with reduced resistance when unlocked, and maintaining the adjusted position when locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional trim system with electrical motors and control electronics is used, then the inceptor can be precisely controlled and positioned, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical motor and control electronics from the trim system, retaining only the mechanical components (spring, locking device, and linkage) necessary for trim adjustment. This extraction eliminates the complex electrical subsystem while maintaining the essential trim function through pure mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim system uses a pre-loaded spring that automatically provides the biasing force necessary for trim adjustment. The spring self-regulates the trim position through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for external electrical actuators and control systems. The mechanism serves itself through the inherent mechanical energy stored in the spring.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical chain with motor drive is used for trim adjustment, then the inceptor can be precisely positioned, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy electrical motor and associated drive mechanisms, replacing them with a lightweight spring-based mechanical system. The spring provides the necessary force and positioning capability without the weight penalty of motor assemblies, reducing the overall system mass while maintaining trim precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based system uses stored elastic energy to provide the trimming force, eliminating the need for heavy motor drives. The spring self-generates the necessary force through its pre-loading, creating a lightweight system that maintains precision through mechanical leverage rather than powered actuation.
3Ease of operation
If the trim mechanism allows free adjustment of the inceptor centring device, then the inceptor neutral position can be easily changed, but the inceptor stability and feel deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. When locked, the mechanism provides rigid stability to maintain the trim position. When unlocked, it allows controlled adjustment. This dynamic state change enables the system to switch between stability and adjustability as needed, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based system provides inherent mechanical feedback that senses the position of the inceptor centring device and automatically exerts restoring forces. This feedback mechanism ensures that the inceptor returns to its neutral position when released, maintaining stability while allowing easy adjustment when the locking device is unlocked. The spring's elastic properties provide continuous position information and restoring force without requiring electronic sensors or actuators.
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
Provides a more straightforward, reliable, and potentially lighter trim system with reduced component costs, maintaining consistent inceptor feel and stability without the need for complex electronics.
Implementation Method 1
an inceptor centring spring, and the inceptor centring spring is preloaded with a preload force. The inceptor centring spring is configured to provide a first biasing force to bias the control shaft to an inceptor neutral position
Implementation Method 2
The inceptor centring spring is preloaded with a preload force, such that when the trim mechanism is in the unlocked state, actuation of the inceptor results in adjustment of the position of the inceptor centring device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for adjusting aircraft inceptor trim includes an inceptor centring device mechanically coupled to a control shaft that rotates in response to inceptor inputs. The inceptor centring device includes an inceptor centring spring preloaded with a preload force to provide a first biasing force to bias the control shaft to an inceptor neutral position. The apparatus has a trim mechanism, mechanically coupled to the inceptor centring device, and includes a trim locking device having a locked state and an unlocked state. A resistance force of the trim mechanism with the trim locking device in the unlocked state is less than the preload force, such that when the trim mechanism is in the unlocked state, actuation of the inceptor adjusts the position of the inceptor centring device to alter the degree of trim.