Counterbalanced Control Stick with Adjustable Resilient Means
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control stick systems for air vehicles face challenges in precise control, as they often result in overshooting and jerky movements, which can be hazardous, and lack effective mechanisms to resist external accelerations and provide reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalanced control stick system with a joystick and rotatable shaft, featuring adjustable counterbalancing resilient means, angle sensors, and modular components for customizable feedback and resistance, allowing intuitive control and neutral-biased operation, including redundant spring pairs for reliability and active force feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional control stick systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the control precision deteriorates resulting in overshooting and jerky movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements counterbalancing resilient means (springs) that generate forces opposing the joystick movement to create tactile feedback and resist external accelerations. The resilient means are configured to provide counterbalancing forces that help the operator maintain precise control by feeling resistance and feedback forces, thereby reducing overshooting and jerky movements while managing the complexity through mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where resilient means provide tactile feedback to the operator through force feedback. The system monitors joystick position and generates opposing forces through springs to provide the operator with sensory information about control surface movements, enabling more precise control without requiring complex electronic feedback systems
2Reliability
If conventional control stick systems are used, then the device is simple, but the reliability deteriorates under external accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalancing resilient means are specifically designed to resist external accelerations such as G-forces during flight. The springs provide continuous counterbalancing forces that compensate for the effects of acceleration on the joystick, maintaining reliable operation across various flight conditions without requiring complex active compensation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means act as a mechanical cushioning system that anticipates and compensates for external accelerations before they affect control precision. The pre-loaded springs provide immediate resistance to acceleration forces, cushioning the operator from the effects of sudden G-forces and maintaining stable control during maneuvering
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable counterbalancing resilient means are added, then control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable resilient means that can be modified during operation or maintenance to change the control characteristics. The adjustment mechanisms allow operators to tune the spring forces to match different flight conditions or personal preferences, providing dynamic adaptability while using relatively simple mechanical adjustment components rather than complex electronic control systems
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
The system provides reliable and precise control by resisting external accelerations, offering tactile feedback and active force adjustments, ensuring stable operation and reducing the risk of overshooting, while maintaining functionality even in case of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient means are linked to at least one fixing point adjustable by moving a plate relative to the casing and thus relative to the pivoting axis of the joystick
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a counterbalanced control stick system for a vehicle, particularly a counterbalanced control stick system for an air vehicle, comprising: a shaft (2) with a shaft axis (1.2) rotationally mounted in a casing (22) and a joystick (1) with a transversal axis (1.1). Said joystick (1) is pivotable mounted relative to said rotational shaft axis (1.2) for angular movements of said joystick (1) relative to said shaft (2) and is provided with a handgrip section (23) on a first side of said shaft (2) and an opposed section on a second side opposed to said first side relative to said shaft (2). Said opposed section of said joystick (1) is linked by said resilient means (10,10.2) to adjustable fixing points (11.1). A plate (11) is provided offset from the joystick (1) and movable relative to said casing (22). The adjustable fixing points (11.1) are controlled by means of said movable plate (11). At least one angle sensor (7) at the shaft (2) and/or the joystick (1) respectively is provided for detection of any angular moves of the shaft (2) relative to the casing (22) and/or of the joystick (1) relative to the shaft (2) and electronics (25) are provided to which signals generated by the rotation angle sensors are supplied and where the signals are digitised and differing detected values are harmonised.