Mass-Balanced Aircraft Control Stick With Feedback Assembly

The patent removes the traditional spring-based centering mechanism from the joystick design. Instead of adding springs to provide centering force, the invention extracts this function entirely by using a mass-balanced configuration where the joystick stick itself is balanced about its pivot axis, eliminating the need for separate centering components and thereby reducing weight and complexity.

The patent applies counterbalancing by positioning mass (such as the feedback assembly or dedicated counterweights) on the opposite side of the pivot axis from the joystick stick. This creates a mass-balanced system where the center of mass lies on the pivot axis, providing gravitational centering without requiring springs. The counterweight effect naturally returns the joystick to center position through gravity when displaced.

The patent uses counterweights positioned on the elongate member to balance the mass distribution about the pivot axis. This mass balancing ensures that the center of mass coincides with the pivot point, making the joystick neutral to acceleration forces including g-forces. The counterweight configuration is integrated into the existing structure rather than adding complex active control systems.

The feedback assembly, which may include motors and sensors for providing force feedback or position sensing, is positioned to serve dual purposes: it provides the required feedback function and simultaneously acts as a counterweight to balance the joystick mass. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate systems.