Parallel-Kinematic Flight Simulator for Full Stall Pitch Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flight simulators based on hexapods have limited freedom of movement, restricting the simulation of realistic flight situations such as full stalls, as they can only tilt the cabin by ±20° around the pitch axis, which is insufficient for accurately simulating severe flight conditions.

Innovation Solution

A flight simulator with a parallel kinematic arrangement that allows the cabin to tilt by more than 25° around the pitch axis, utilizing adjustable linear motion devices and a wedge-shaped arrangement to increase the range of motion, enabling more realistic simulation of stalls and other extreme flight scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hexapod configurations are used with standard control reserves, then the simulator is stable and easy to control, but the pitch angle is limited to ±20° which is insufficient for simulating full stalls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepitch angle rangeVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by differentiating the pitch angle ranges: the simulator cabin can be tilted backwards by more than 25° (enabling full stall simulation) while limiting forward tilt to ±20° (maintaining control reserves). This asymmetric configuration allows the system to achieve greater adaptability for severe flight condition simulation without requiring complex control mechanisms throughout the entire range, as the asymmetric limits are built into the hexapod's mechanical design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the pitch angle range is increased to simulate full stalls, then the simulation realism is improved, but the control complexity increases making implementation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation realismVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the pitch angle range adjustable and situation-dependent. The control system dynamically adapts the pitch angle limits based on the simulated flight condition: allowing greater than 25° backward tilt when simulating stall conditions, while maintaining ±20° limits during normal flight. This dynamic adjustment enables high simulation realism for critical scenarios without requiring permanently complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If conventional flight simulators are designed with worst-case scenarios, then the control reserves are maintained, but the freedom of movement is restricted and realistic stall simulation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reservesVSAvoidfreedom of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing differentiated pitch angle ranges for different operational modes: the simulator maintains ±20° pitch limits during normal operation to preserve control reserves, but allows excessive action (more than 25° backward tilt) when simulating stall conditions. This partial application of extended range only when needed enables the system to maintain ease of operation for routine flights while achieving the freedom of movement required for realistic stall simulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3266015B1Flight simulator and method for flight simulation
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 AMST SYSTTECHN
  • EP3266015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3266015B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3266015B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The invention relates to a flight simulator and a method for flight simulation, comprising a simulator cabin (1) which is provided on a parallel kinematic arrangement, said simulator cabin (1) having a maximum positive pitch position, in which the roll axis (11), starting from the horizontal course, is inclined as far as possible towards the top by a first pitch angle (12) in the framework of the kinematic possibilities of the parallel kinematic arrangement (6) while maintaining optionally provided control reserves. As a result, the operator (3) is inclined towards the rear, wherein the first pitch angle (12) is greater than 25°.