Cockpit Inceptor Force Sensing for Jam-Tolerant Flight Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cockpit inceptor systems can jam, leading to loss of control during critical flight conditions, especially in single-pilot operations, where mechanical failures are not mitigated effectively by existing position sensor-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor-based system that converts the sensed force applied by the pilot into a control signal for the aircraft surfaces, using an algorithm that accounts for inertia, damping, friction, and spring characteristics to accurately replicate the position signal, ensuring continued control even in case of jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a position sensor-based system is used to detect inceptor movement, then the control signal can be adjusted with gain factors for intuitive control feel, but the system remains vulnerable to jamming and mechanical failures that cause loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical position sensor system with a force sensor-based system. Instead of measuring the position of the inceptor member, the system measures the force applied by the pilot and uses algorithms (including inertia, damping, friction, and spring characteristics) to calculate the position signal. This substitution eliminates the mechanical linkages and position sensors that are prone to jamming, while maintaining intuitive control feel through software-based gain adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces force as an intermediary measurement parameter. Rather than directly measuring position (which requires mechanical contact and is prone to jamming), the system measures force applied by the pilot and uses computational models to derive position information. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain control authority even when mechanical components would normally fail.
2Device complexity
If mechanical linkages or cables are used to transfer movement from inceptor to flight surface, then the system is simple and direct, but the system is prone to sticking and jamming that can cause catastrophic loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical linkages and cables by replacing them with an electrical/algorithmic system. The force sensor detects pilot input, and a control algorithm processes this signal to command the flight control surfaces. This removes the mechanical transmission path that is vulnerable to sticking and jamming, while maintaining direct control authority through electronic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the force detection function from the mechanical linkage system and places it at the inceptor interface. By measuring force directly at the control interface and using algorithms to determine the required surface movement, the system removes the intermediate mechanical linkages that are prone to failure, keeping only the essential force detection and actuation functions.
3Loss of information
If force sensors are incorporated to provide force level signals to the flight control computer, then test flight data can be captured, but the system still relies on position sensors that can fail due to mechanical jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the force sensor serve multiple functions: it provides force data for test flight recording and analysis, and it serves as the primary input for controlling flight control surfaces. By using force as the universal input parameter, the system eliminates the need for separate position sensing mechanisms, and the same force measurement basis controls both information capture and flight control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the dual-system approach (position sensors for control plus force sensors for data) with a unified force sensor system. The force measurement replaces position sensing for control purposes, and the algorithmic processing provides both control commands and data recording capabilities from a single sensor type, reducing overall system complexity and failure points.
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 reliable and accurate control of aircraft surfaces by detecting force applied by the pilot, maintaining control during jam conditions and reducing the risk of catastrophic failures, especially in reduced crew operations.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor configured to sense the force applied by the user to the inceptor member
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft inceptor system includes an inceptor member arranged to be operated by a user to cause a corresponding movement of a moveable aircraft surface. The system also includes means for detecting the operation of the inceptor member by the user and for providing a movement signal, associated with the detected operation, to a flight control computer, the flight control computer providing a control signal to an actuator to move the aircraft surface according to the movement signal. The means for detecting the operation of the inceptor member by the user comprises a force sensor configured to sense the force applied by the user to the inceptor member, the movement signal being derived based on the sensed force.