Compact Rotorcraft Cyclic Control Assembly for Cockpit Space Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary wing aircraft flight control systems occupy valuable space in the cockpit due to the complexity of components required for assisted actuation and tactile feedback, making them less efficient in terms of space utilization and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A compact cyclic housing integrates stick actuators and force sensors as a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), allowing for advanced flight control features to be mounted in a compact configuration, simplifying installation and maintenance by maintaining existing mechanical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple advanced flight control components are mounted in the cockpit, then assisted actuation and tactile feedback features are enabled, but valuable cockpit space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flight control components (cyclic stick, stick base assembly, actuators, force sensors) into a single integrated cyclic housing assembly. This merging of previously separate components into one compact unit enables advanced features while minimizing the space occupied in the cockpit, as the entire assembly occupies a single standardized mounting location.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclic housing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the cyclic stick control interface, houses the stick base assembly for mechanical support, integrates actuators for assisted actuation, and incorporates force sensors for tactile feedback. This multi-functionality in a single assembly eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces for each component.
2Extent of automation
If complex flight control components are installed, then advanced piloting features are achieved, but installation and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control system is segmented into a modular cyclic housing assembly that functions as a complete Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). This segmentation allows the entire assembly with all its complex components (actuators, sensors, mechanical linkages) to be installed or replaced as a single unit, dramatically simplifying installation and maintenance procedures compared to installing or repairing individual components separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclic housing assembly is designed as a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) that can be quickly swapped out and replaced if needed. This approach treats the complex assembly as a replaceable module rather than a system requiring detailed maintenance, simplifying repair operations by allowing the entire unit to be replaced rather than individually repaired.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for compactly mounted cyclic flight control for a rotorcraft. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a stick base assembly coupled with a cyclic stick and configured to rotate with respect to a mounting frame to control a pitch and a roll of the rotorcraft. A cyclic housing is pivotably coupled with the mounting frame for rotation about a pitch axis to control pitch, and coupled with a pitch actuator having a pitch force sensor to measure its resistance to rotation. The cyclic housing supports the stick base assembly for independent rotation of the stick base assembly about a roll axis to control roll, and the stick base assembly couples with a roll actuator having a roll force sensor to measure its resistance to rotation.