Flight Simulator Control Stick Trim Layout for Neutral Position Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight simulation control systems lack an efficient mechanism to dynamically adjust the neutral position of control sticks, which is crucial for simulating the balance of aerodynamic forces and engine outputs, thereby limiting the realism of flight training.
Innovation Solution
The flight simulation control apparatus incorporates a dual reaction force generator system with actuators that displace springs to reduce reaction forces to zero, allowing for precise adjustment of neutral positions through a combination of motors and electromagnetic clutches, enabling both slow and quick trim changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a neutral position changer with motor and electromagnetic brake is used to adjust the neutral position of control stick, then the neutral position can be changed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor and electromagnetic brake into an integrated neutral position changer assembly that works together to adjust the neutral position. The motor drives a gear mechanism while the electromagnetic brake provides controlled stopping, merging multiple functions into a coordinated system that reduces overall complexity compared to separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The neutral position changer is designed to serve multiple functions: the motor provides continuous adjustment capability, the electromagnetic brake enables precise positioning and holding, and the gear mechanism translates rotational motion to linear displacement of the spring. This multi-functional design achieves neutral position adjustment without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
2Volume of moving object
If the output shaft of the first actuator is located below the first reaction force generator and the output shaft of the second actuator is located above the second reaction force generator, then the simulator size is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to optimize component layout by positioning the first actuator's output shaft below its reaction force generator and the second actuator's output shaft above its reaction force generator. This three-dimensional arrangement allows compact stacking of components, reducing the horizontal footprint and overall simulator volume while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators and reaction force generators are arranged in a nested configuration where components are positioned one above or below the other, creating a compact vertical stack. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the total simulator size without requiring complex lateral arrangements.
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
This solution enhances the realism of flight simulation by allowing precise control stick adjustments, balancing aerodynamic and engine forces, and reducing the simulator's size by optimizing the placement of actuators within the housing.
Implementation Method 1
The first reaction force generator has a first spring that is connected to the first control member and is displaced by rotation of the first control member to generate a reaction force to an operation of the first control member
Implementation Method 2
a first spring that is connected to the first control member and is displaced by rotation of the first control member to generate a reaction force
Implementation Method 3
The second reaction force generator has a second spring that is connected to the second control member and is displaced by rotation of the second control member to generate a reaction force to an operation of the second control member
Implementation Method 4
a second spring that is connected to the second control member and is displaced by rotation of the second control member to generate a reaction force
Implementation Method 5
The first neutral position changer has a first actuator that displaces the first spring to reduce the reaction force to the operation of the first control member to zero
Implementation Method 6
The second neutral position changer has a second actuator that displaces the second spring to reduce the reaction force to the operation of the second control member to zero
Data Source
AI summary
A simulator includes a control stick including a first rotatable control shaft and a second rotatable control shaft; a first reaction force generator including a spring that generates a reaction force to an operation of the first control shaft; a second reaction force generator including a spring that generates a reaction force to an operation of the second control shaft; a motor that displaces the spring to change a neutral position of the first control shaft; and a motor that displaces the spring to change a neutral position of the second control shaft. An output shaft of the motor is located below the first reaction force generator, and an output shaft of the motor is located above the second reaction force generator.