Calibration Adaptor Bracket for Reproducible Flight Control Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring force feedback in flight simulator components like sidesticks and stab trims lack reproducibility across different simulators and over time, making it difficult to ensure realistic and consistent training experiences for pilots.
Innovation Solution
A calibration adaptor bracket and method that positions a force gauge relative to the control interfaces, allowing for precise measurement of force feedback in multiple directions, including back-and-forth and side-to-side movements, using a housing with specific connectors and a load cell to measure torque, ensuring consistent alignment and accurate data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for measuring force feedback are used, then measurement can be performed, but the measurements are not readily reproducible from time to time and simulator to simulator
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration adaptor bracket is introduced as an intermediary device between the force gauge and the control interface (sidestick or stab trim). The adaptor provides standardized connection points and alignment features that ensure consistent positioning of the force gauge relative to the control interface, enabling reproducible measurements across different simulators and over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention standardizes the measurement parameters by defining specific attachment locations, orientations, and force application points through the adaptor bracket. This standardization of geometric and positional parameters ensures that measurements are taken under identical conditions across different testing instances and simulators, thereby improving reproducibility.
2Measurement precision
If a calibration adaptor bracket with specific housing and connectors is used, then reproducible and accurate measurement of force feedback is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor bracket is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of control interfaces (sidesticks and stab trims) and different force gauge models. By providing standardized connection points and mounting features, a single adaptor design serves multiple functions and interfaces, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby managing complexity.
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 solution enables reproducible and accurate measurement of force feedback, enhancing the realism and consistency of flight simulator training by allowing for precise calibration of control interfaces, thereby improving pilot training standards.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell interconnecting the shaft and the handle wherein the load cell is configured for measuring a torque between the handle and the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Adaptors for positioning a force gauge relative to a control interface in a flight simulator or aircraft are disclosed where the control interface is moveable in at least one of a back-and-forth direction and a side-to-side direction. In some embodiments the adaptor comprises a housing positionable adjacent the control interface where the housing comprises a first surface configured to snugly receive a predetermined surface of the control interface and a second surface comprising a first housing connector configured for connection to the gauge connector such that pressure is exertable on the control interface by the force gauge in a first direction of measurement aligned with one of the back-and-forth direction and the side-to-side direction.