Aircraft Control Stick Base Alignment for Ergonomic Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft control devices face limitations in ergonomics and compatibility between control sticks and bases, affecting the usability and adaptability of joystick systems.

Innovation Solution

A base system for aircraft joysticks featuring a pipe-shaped absorption and a socket nut with a radial outer thread, along with safety segments and a grip adapter plate, enhances ergonomics and compatibility by providing adjustable alignment and secure attachment options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a control stick is mounted on a base with fixed geometry, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ergonomics and compatibility with different aircraft cockpits are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidbase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base system incorporates adjustable alignment mechanisms that allow the control stick to be positioned at different angles and orientations. The base flange can be rotated and adjusted to achieve optimal ergonomic alignment with the pilot's seating position, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base is divided into separate functional components including a base flange, alignment elements, and mounting structures. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and configured, enabling compatibility with different control stick types and cockpit configurations without redesigning the entire base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If control sticks with different orientations are used, then the ergonomics are improved, but the alignment precision and secure attachment become more difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The base flange is pre-configured with multiple alignment elements and reference features that guide the positioning of the control stick. These pre-built alignment mechanisms ensure that even when adjusting to different orientations, the control stick maintains precise alignment with the aircraft's control axes, eliminating the need for complex post-installation adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3885253B1Plinth system
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 WITTENSTEIN SE
  • EP3885253B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3885253B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3885253B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Base system (1) for a control stick (51) for controlling an aircraft, comprising a base flange (3) including a tubular receptacle (7), and a base nut (5) which at least partially encloses the receptacle of the base flange (3), wherein the base nut (5) includes an interface (11) for attaching a grip nut (41).