Aircraft Torque Control Device with Dynamic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft control systems rely on mechanical components that provide fixed resistance and feedback, leading to maintenance issues and inability to dynamically adjust, while also failing to simulate the feel of traditional mechanical systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled aircraft control system using a motor with a rotating shaft, sensors, and a controller to adjust aircraft performance, which mimics the feel of mechanical systems through dynamically adjustable torque and simulated detents, and includes a fail-safe mechanism to maintain mechanical friction in case of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical components are used to provide resistance and feedback, then the traditional feel is achieved, but the resistance cannot be dynamically changed and maintenance is required frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction-based resistance mechanisms with an electronic motor system. The motor assembly includes a motor, encoder, and control system that dynamically adjusts resistance torque electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical clutches and friction-based detents while maintaining the traditional control feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the resistance parameter through electronic control. The controller adjusts the motor's output torque based on encoder feedback, allowing the resistance level to be modified in real-time without physical reconfiguration, thus achieving adaptability while preserving the traditional operational feel.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical friction is used to maintain lever position, then the feel is authentic, but the friction wears over time requiring repair or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical friction-based position maintenance with an electronic motor holding system. The motor, controlled by feedback from an encoder, maintains lever position without relying on friction, thereby eliminating wear while preserving the authentic control feel during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor and encoder to automatically maintain lever position without mechanical wear. The electronic control system continuously adjusts the motor output to hold the lever at the desired position, eliminating the need for friction-based maintenance while preserving operational authenticity.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical detents and hard walls are used, then the feedback is tangible, but the location and resistance are fixed and cannot be changed dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical detents and hard walls with software-controlled electronic feedback points. The controller can dynamically adjust the torque characteristics to simulate detents and hard walls at any position, providing tangible feedback while allowing dynamic reconfiguration without physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the resistance profile through electronic control. The controller modifies the motor's torque output to create simulated detents and hard walls at programmable positions, allowing the feedback characteristics to be reconfigured dynamically while maintaining tangible operational feedback.
4Device complexity
If conventional mechanical systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot mimic the feel of traditional mechanical systems effectively when using electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical friction and detent mechanisms with a compact electronic motor assembly. This substitution reduces structural complexity while enabling dynamic simulation of traditional mechanical feel through electronic torque control, achieving both simplicity and authentic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electronic parameter control to simulate traditional mechanical characteristics. By dynamically adjusting motor torque and resistance parameters, the system replicates the feel of mechanical detents, hard walls, and friction without requiring the corresponding mechanical complexity, thus maintaining structural simplicity while preserving operational authenticity.
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 system provides a more reliable and maintainable solution with dynamic adjustment capabilities, simulating the feel of traditional mechanical systems while reducing maintenance needs and enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a motor comprising a rotating shaft
Implementation Method 2
a sensor identifying a position of the lever
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic aircraft control system and an electronic aircraft control method are provided. In some embodiments, the aircraft control system includes a motor including a rotating shaft, a lever including an axis of rotation, the lever connected to the rotating shaft, wherein the position of the lever is not maintained by a mechanical clutch during normal operations. In some embodiments, the aircraft control system includes a fail-safe system for maintaining mechanical friction of the lever in an event of a failure, a sensor identifying a position of the lever, and a transmitter transmitting the lever position to a controller, the controller adjusting an aircraft performance device based on the received lever position. In some embodiments, the motor provides a torque on the lever. In some embodiments, the fail-safe system includes shear pins configured to break when a sufficient amount of manual torque is applied to the lever.