Aircraft Control Stick Force Feedback With Electromagnetic Backup Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft control sticks with active force feedback systems are prone to failure in case of electrical or mechanical malfunctions, leading to loss of feedback for pilots, and existing systems are bulky, expensive, and difficult to integrate.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical back-up channel using an electromagnet and actuator with clamping teeth to provide a variable resistive force, ensuring the control stick maintains some feedback even in case of motor failure, and is designed to be lightweight and efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active force feedback system with motors is used, then the pilot experiences mechanical feedback on the lever, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and difficult to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The force feedback system is segmented into two independent channels: an active electromechanical channel for normal operation and a passive mechanical channel for backup. This segmentation allows the complex active system to be complemented by a simple passive system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A passive mechanical backup channel is pre-configured alongside the active force feedback system. This backup channel includes a spring element and a mechanical linkage that can immediately take over force feedback function if the active system fails, providing beforehand cushioning against system failure.
2Reliability
If an active force feedback system with motors is used, then the pilot experiences mechanical feedback on the lever, but the system becomes expensive and difficult to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The force feedback system is segmented into an active electromechanical channel and a passive mechanical channel. The passive channel uses simple mechanical elements (springs, linkages, pins) that are easier to manufacture and integrate than complex motor systems, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical intermediary linkage system connects the lever to both the active motor and the passive spring element. This intermediary mechanism allows the simple passive system to integrate with the active system without requiring complex modifications to either component, improving ease of manufacture and integration.
3Reliability
If a mechanical backup channel is added, then the control stick maintains feedback during motor failure, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The passive mechanical backup channel replaces complex electromechanical components with simple mechanical elements (springs, pins, linkages). This substitution maintains feedback availability during motor failure while minimizing the increase in system complexity by using fundamental mechanical principles rather than additional complex systems.
4Weight of moving object
If the control stick uses electronic control without direct mechanical linkage, then the lever is lighter, but the pilot loses mechanical feedback sensations
Solution Approach 1:
A passive mechanical backup channel is pre-configured to provide mechanical feedback sensations to the pilot. This backup channel remains dormant during normal electronic operation (maintaining light weight) but automatically engages if the electronic system fails, providing beforehand cushioning against loss of mechanical feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical intermediary linkage with a spring element is introduced between the lever and the electronic control system. This intermediary provides mechanical feedback sensations to the pilot while allowing the lever to remain lightweight, as the mechanical elements are minimal and the primary control remains electronic.
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
Prevents complete loss of feedback and immobilization of the control stick during malfunctions, allowing reversible operation when the electromagnet is active again, and avoids the need for complex components, resulting in a more reliable and integrated control system.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet, fixed with respect to the casing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a force application device for a control stick of an aircraft, said stick comprising a control lever that is connected to a motor comprising a drive shaft, said device having: a first pin connected to the drive shaft, a housing, a second pin secured to the housing, an electromagnet secured in relation to the housing, a movable actuator which comprises a magnetic material such that said actuator can be displaced depending on a supply of current of the electromagnet, and means for clamping the first pin and the second pin which comprise a first tooth and a second tooth, said device having an operating configuration in which the electromagnet is active and the actuator separates the teeth away from the first pin and the second pin, and a blocking configuration in which the electromagnet is inactive, with the first tooth and the second tooth coming into contact with the first pin and the second pin.