Four-bar vehicle controller for multi-mode cockpit ergonomics
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems, such as those described in Ranasey U.S. Pat. No. 1,855,988, are cumbersome and lack ergonomic design, particularly when transitioning between flight and automobile modes, with issues like yoke-in-lap occurrences, knee-knocking, and unintended yaw control inputs, which complicate operator control and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A four-bar vehicle controller with a rearwardly-extending upper bar and a non-tilting control yoke/steering wheel that provides independent or combined axes of control, allowing for ergonomic improvements such as reduced clutter, adjustable yoke height, and elimination of redundant control inputs like rudder pedals, facilitating easier entry and exit and reducing cockpit complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertical control stick is used as in Ranasey's design, then flight control functionality is achieved, but operator comfort deteriorates due to yoke-in-lap occurrences and knee-knocking during full control inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The control yoke is mounted on a horizontally extending upper bar rather than a vertically extending control stick, changing the spatial dimension of control input. This allows the yoke to remain forward of the operator's knees during full pitch and roll inputs, eliminating knee-knocking and yoke-in-lap problems while maintaining full control authority.
Solution Approach 2:
A four-bar linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary between the control yoke and the control surfaces. This mechanism translates yoke movements into appropriate pitch and roll control inputs while preventing direct transmission of forces that would cause the yoke to move into the operator's lap or knock against the operator's knees.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dynamically-tilting control yoke is used to provide full control authority, then flight control capability is improved, but familiarity with automobile driving deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tilting the control yoke dynamically during flight operations, the invention maintains a fixed horizontal orientation of the yoke while using the four-bar linkage to achieve the necessary control movements. This inversion preserves the familiar automobile steering wheel appearance and operation while still providing full flight control authority through the mechanical linkage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control inputs are provided for different transportation modes, then adaptability to different modes is improved, but cockpit clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control yoke and four-bar linkage system serves multiple functions: it provides pitch and roll control for flight operations, and when configured with the locking mechanism, it provides steering control for automobile operations. This single multi-functional control system eliminates the need for separate control inputs for different transportation modes, reducing cockpit clutter while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates a locking mechanism that dynamically changes the degrees of freedom of the control yoke. In flight mode, the locking mechanism is disengaged, allowing full pitch and roll control. In automobile mode, the locking mechanism engages to provide only steering control, effectively adapting the control system to the current transportation mode without adding permanent redundant controls.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a four-bar vehicle controller providing up to three independent or combined axes of control inputted via a yoke, steering wheel or other hand operated input means attached to an aft end of a control input shaft rotatably mounted to and extending rearwardly from an upper bar member of a four-bar assembly. The assembly is configurable to provide an operator a familiar steering experience and to improve cockpit ergonomics and control inputs. A forward end of the control input shaft is configurable to impart yaw control input or steering control input, or both, to one or more rotation transmission means coupled with yaw control linkage or steering control linkage, or both. The vehicle controller is configurable to control a vehicle equipped to operate in, or a simulator equipped to simulate operation in, one or more transportation modes, such as flight, ground-based, or water-based transportation modes.