Calibration Adaptor Bracket for Consistent Flight Control Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring force feedback in flight simulator components like sidesticks and stab trims lack reproducibility and consistency across different simulators.
Innovation Solution
A calibration adaptor bracket and method that positions a force gauge relative to a control interface, allowing precise measurement of force feedback in multiple directions, using a housing with aligned attachment points for the force gauge and a plunger, and optionally incorporating an accelerometer for angle measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for measuring force feedback are used, then force measurement can be performed, but the measurements are not readily reproducible from time to time and simulator to simulator
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct functional components: a standardized adaptor bracket that interfaces with the control interface, a force gauge for measurement, and an accelerometer for orientation detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and ensures consistent assembly procedures across different simulators, improving measurement reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures multiple parameters simultaneously (force magnitude, force direction, and control interface orientation) to fully characterize the force feedback. By changing from single-parameter to multi-parameter measurement, the system captures the complete force feedback state, enabling consistent reproduction across different simulators through comprehensive data collection.
2Ease of manufacture
If force feedback measurement is implemented, then calibration can be performed, but the process lacks standardization across different flight simulators
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor bracket is designed with universal features that allow it to interface with multiple types of control interfaces (yokes, sidesticks, rudder pedals) across different flight simulator models. The standardized connection points and mounting mechanisms enable the same measurement procedure to be applied universally, achieving both standardization and cross-simulator compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor bracket serves as an intermediary device between the diverse control interfaces and the measurement instruments. It provides standardized attachment points for the force gauge and accelerometer, mediating the connection in a way that enables consistent measurement procedures across different simulator types without requiring modifications to the original control interfaces.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement directions are implemented, then comprehensive force feedback characterization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force gauge and accelerometer are merged into a single integrated measurement assembly mounted on the adaptor bracket. This combination allows simultaneous measurement of force vectors and orientation in multiple directions without requiring separate complex systems, achieving comprehensive force feedback characterization while managing device complexity through integration.
Data Source
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Figure 1B~1G
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AI summary
Adaptors for positioning a force gauge relative to a control interface in a flight simulator or aircraft are disclosed where the control interface is moveable in at least one of a back-and-forth direction and a side-to-side direction. In some embodiments the adaptor comprises a housing positionable adjacent the control interface where the housing comprises a first surface configured to snugly receive a predetermined surface of the control interface and a second surface comprising a first housing connector configured for connection to the gauge connector such that pressure is exertable on the control interface by the force gauge in a first direction of measurement aligned with one of the back-and-forth direction and the side-to-side direction.