Aircraft Control Column Mechanical Spring Resisting Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft control systems with dual control columns are compromised in the event of an electrical failure, leading to loss of resisting forces and compromised safety, particularly in avionics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a mechanical spring system in each control column to provide resisting torque and maintain safe operation in case of electronic failure, with the spring system generating approximately 90% of the total resisting torque, and adaptive control circuits for varying resisting forces based on ergonomic conditions and pilot actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an entirely electronic control system is used with electric motors providing all resisting torques, then the control system achieves precise coordination and automation, but safety is compromised in the event of electrical failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic controlVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating mechanical spring systems that provide resisting torques in advance, so that when electrical failure occurs, the springs are already in position to support the control columns and maintain safety without requiring active response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical spring systems act as intermediaries between the pilot's manual inputs and the control surfaces. When electrical systems fail, these spring intermediaries continue to transmit mechanical forces, ensuring that control authority is maintained through a passive mechanical pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical spring systems are added to provide resisting torques, then safety is improved during electrical failure, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into independent electrical and mechanical pathways. Each control column has its own mechanical spring system that operates independently, allowing the system to function in either electrical mode, mechanical mode, or both simultaneously, thereby managing complexity through modular independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical spring systems serve multiple functions: they provide resisting torques during normal operation to assist the electrical system, and they become the primary control mechanism during electrical failure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate emergency systems, managing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If electric motors alone provide resisting torques, then the control system achieves precise control coordination, but the system becomes vulnerable to total failure during electrical malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol coordinationVSAvoidfailure vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the resisting torque parameter dynamically by combining electrical motor torques during normal operation with mechanical spring torques during failure. The spring systems are designed with specific torque characteristics that complement the electrical system, allowing parameter optimization across different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures safe operation of aircraft control surfaces during electrical failures by providing resisting forces through mechanical springs, maintaining control surface functionality with reduced resisting forces, enhancing safety in avionics.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring assembly for spring-loading the associated control column into its neutral position and adapted to provide, in the event of manipulation of the corresponding control column, a resisting torque

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7648106B2Control system including two control columns that are coupled to enable controlled members to be placed in required positions

Publication Date: 2010.01.19 DASSAULT AVIATION SA

AI summary

A control system for placing controlled members in required positions including two control columns assigned to the controlled members to be moved, each control column having two degrees of freedom. Two actuators controlled by two control circuits apply to their associated control column either a resisting torque or a displacement torque. Each control column is provided with a mechanical spring system spring-loading the associated control column into its neutral position and adapted to provide, in the event of manipulation of the corresponding control column, a resisting torque in support of the resisting torque supplied by the associated actuator.