Aircraft Pedal Cartridge With Split Brake and Rudder Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pedal mechanisms in aircraft are difficult to maintain due to their location below the floor or require cockpit reinforcement, and stature adjustment mechanisms are complex and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A pedal cartridge with a pedal axle receiving portion and a first rotation sensor component that allows separate rotational paths for braking and rudder actions, featuring a rotational feeling device and a housing to maintain the pedal cartridge on the axle, along with a stature adjustment mechanism for varying the translational neutral position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal mechanism is located below the floor, then the braking and rudder control functions are achieved, but maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: a pedal unit for braking control and a rudder control unit, each with independent rotational paths. This segmentation allows maintenance of individual components without affecting the entire system, improving accessibility while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor component is introduced as an intermediary between the pedal rotation and the control system. The sensor detects rotational position and transmits signals electronically, replacing direct mechanical linkages and making the system more maintainable through reduced mechanical complexity.
2Ease of repair
If the pedal mechanism is suspended from the cockpit board, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the cockpit board requires reinforcement due to weight
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy pedal mechanism is segmented into lighter modular units that can be independently mounted. The pedal unit and rudder unit are separated, reducing the concentrated load on any single mounting point and allowing flexible installation positions that optimize maintenance access without overloading the cockpit board.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical linkages and direct force transmissions are replaced with sensor-based detection systems. The rotation sensor components detect pedal position and transmit electrical signals, replacing heavy mechanical cables and linkages, thereby reducing the overall weight that the cockpit board must support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stature adjustment mechanism is provided, then pilots of different statures can use the pedals, but the mechanism becomes complex and occupies large cabin space
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal units are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities through independent rotational paths. The pedal can rotate about the pedal axle while the rudder unit rotates about a separate axis, allowing continuous adjustment of operational ranges to accommodate different pilot statures without discrete adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor component serves multiple functions: it detects rotational position for both braking and rudder control, provides feedback for stature adaptation, and enables electronic control of both functions through a single integrated system, reducing the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If separate rotational paths are provided for braking and rudder actions, then undesired cross-actions are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent rotational paths: the pedal rotates about a pedal axle for braking control, while the rudder unit rotates about a separate rudder axis. This physical segmentation prevents mechanical interference between braking and rudder actions, ensuring reliable independent operation of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor components are introduced as intermediaries to detect and differentiate between pedal rotation and rudder rotation. The sensors transmit electrical signals that clearly distinguish between braking inputs and rudder inputs, preventing cross-actions through electronic differentiation rather than complex mechanical isolation.
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
Prevents undesired rudder or braking actions during aircraft operation, accommodates pilots of different statures, and reduces cabin space requirements while ensuring ergonomic comfort and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational feeling device may comprise an elastic element, wherein a first end of the elastic element is connectable to the pedal axle and a second end of the elastic element is connected to the pedal cartridge, the elastic element configured to surround the pedal axle. The elastic element may be a coiled spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal cartridge for an aircraft. The pedal cartridge is connectable to a pedal mechanism and includes: a pedal. The pedal includes a pedal axle receiving portion configured to receive a pedal axle of the pedal mechanism such that the pedal is rotatably connectable to the pedal axle. The mechanism also includes a first rotation sensor component, the first rotation sensor component configured to interact with a second rotation sensor component of the pedal mechanism to permit rotation of the pedal about the pedal axle to be detected.