Force Gradient Non-Contact Proximity Sensor for AFCS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional force gradient mechanisms in aircraft control systems require frequent adjustments and are prone to mechanical wear, leading to reliability issues and maintenance challenges due to their mechanical actuator design.

Innovation Solution

A force gradient design utilizing a non-contact proximity sensor, such as an inductive, capacitive, or magnetic sensor, to replace mechanical switches, eliminating the need for actuator-ball alignment and reducing maintenance requirements by providing a more reliable and convenient solution for controlling the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical actuator mechanism is used in the force gradient switch, then the AFCS can be controlled, but frequent adjustment and maintenance are required due to mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical actuator mechanism with a non-contact proximity sensor that detects the position of a target member on the shaft. This eliminates mechanical contact and wear, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining the ability to control AFCS operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical actuator mechanism is used in the force gradient switch, then the AFCS can be controlled, but the system requires frequent adjustment to maintain proper operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By substituting the mechanical actuator with a non-contact proximity sensor, the system eliminates the need for frequent adjustments. The sensor automatically detects shaft position without mechanical contact, removing the time-consuming adjustment process while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity sensor-based system is self-adjusting through automatic detection of shaft position. The target member moves with the shaft and the sensor continuously monitors its position, eliminating the need for manual intervention or adjustment by operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a mechanical actuator mechanism is used, then the switch can detect pilot input, but the inner parts require disassembly for servicing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilot input detectionVSAvoidaccessibility for service

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The non-contact proximity sensor detects shaft position and pilot input without mechanical contact. The sensor is mounted on the force gradient housing and detects the target member on the shaft through non-contact means, maintaining detection capability while eliminating the need to disassemble the force gradient for servicing internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 non-contact proximity sensor design enhances the reliability and reduces maintenance needs by eliminating mechanical contact issues, providing accurate and consistent control inputs, and filtering out unintended pilot inputs, thus improving the overall control feel and accuracy of the aircraft's operation.

Implementation Method 1

A force gradient includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a non-contact proximity sensor mounted on the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A force gradient design utilizing a non-contact proximity sensor, such as an inductive, capacitive, or magnetic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

A force gradient design utilizing a non-contact proximity sensor, such as an inductive, capacitive, or magnetic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

The force gradient includes a spring contained between the first end and the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 5

The spring has a first position and is compressed to a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring compression: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2321709B1Automatic flight control system with a force gradient device using a non-contact proximity sensor

Publication Date: 2015.10.07 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC

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Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C

AI summary

An improved design for a force gradient using a proximity sensor is disclosed. A force gradient comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end. The switch includes a spring contained between the first end and the second end and a non-contact proximity sensor mounted on the second end. The spring has a first position and is compressed to a second position so that the non-contact proximity sensor signals an AFCS to change state.