eVTOL Flight Control Stick for One-Hand Multi-Axis Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft control systems, particularly in helicopters and eVTOL aircraft, require extensive training and high-level skills for manual flight control, and existing automatic flight control systems are not user-friendly for non-professional pilots.
Innovation Solution
A single control input device with a bar-shaped body and multiple position inputs allows for simplified flight control operations, including pitch, roll, direction, engine thrust, wireless communication, and brake, using push, pull, and twist motions, along with a touch screen for automatic flight mode selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate control devices (cyclic control stick, tail rotor control pedal, collective control stick) are used for helicopter flight control, then precise control capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control functions (cyclic control, tail rotor control, collective control) into a single integrated control stick. The control stick includes a handle portion with multiple position input devices (first position input device for pitch/roll, second position input device for yaw, third position input device for collective pitch) that can be operated simultaneously or independently to achieve precise flight control with reduced complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single control stick serves multiple functions by incorporating different types of input devices at various positions on the handle portion. The first position input device controls pitch and roll, the second position input device controls yaw, and the third position input device controls collective pitch, allowing one device to replace traditionally separate control mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multiple control sticks and pedals are used, then comprehensive control functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for non-professional pilots
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single ergonomic handle design where all position input devices can be operated with one hand. The first position input device uses thumb movement for pitch/roll, the second position input device uses index finger for yaw, and the third position input device uses middle finger for collective pitch, making the system adaptable yet easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the handle portion are designed with specific input devices positioned according to natural hand anatomy. The first position input device is located where the thumb naturally rests, the second position input device is positioned for index finger access, and the third position input device is placed for middle finger operation, optimizing ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive control functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate knob input devices are provided on the control instrument panel, then command input capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates command input functionality directly into the control stick by incorporating position input devices that detect thumb and finger positions. This eliminates the need for separate knob input devices on the control instrument panel, as the control stick itself provides both flight control and command input capabilities through its multiple position sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The control stick serves dual purposes: it functions as the primary flight control mechanism and simultaneously serves as the command input device for altitude, speed, and heading commands. The same position input devices used for flight control also provide command input capability, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control input device applicable to an eVTOL aircraft, which is an electric-powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and more particularly, to an aircraft control input device that may replace a cyclic control stick, a tail rotor control pedal, and a collective control stick used for flight control of a conventional aircraft, which is simpler in configuration and easier to operate than conventional control devices and may improve pilot convenience and stability of flight operation through simple and accurate flight manipulation, and a command input method using the same.