Handheld Trigger Controller for Compact Remote Aircraft Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for controlling simulated and remotely controlled aircraft are bulky and expensive, making them impractical for portable and space-efficient use in flight simulation and remote aircraft operation.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device with a trigger assembly and circuitry that generates aircraft control data based on user input, allowing for compact and portable control of flight surfaces, enabling control of simulated or remotely controlled aircraft through wireless communication with a computing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional flight control systems are used, then reliable aircraft control is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight control reliabilityVSAvoidsystem bulk and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple flight control functions (pitch, roll, yaw control) into a single handheld device with integrated control sticks and communication circuitry. This merging of functions reduces the overall system bulk and cost while maintaining reliable aircraft control through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical flight control systems with wireless electronic communication. The handheld device transmits control signals wirelessly to the aircraft, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing system bulk and cost while maintaining control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If compact handheld devices are used, then portability and space efficiency are improved, but control precision may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller sizeVSAvoidcontrol signal precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses wireless communication parameters (frequency, modulation scheme) to transmit control signals from the compact handheld device to the aircraft. This allows the small device to maintain precise control by optimizing communication parameters rather than relying on physical size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11868125B2Controlling simulated and remotely controlled flyable aircraft with handheld devices

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 YAWMAN LLC

AI summary

In a general aspect, a handheld controller device includes a housing and a trigger assembly. The housing is configured to be held in the hands of a user. The trigger assembly includes a pair of triggers extending outward from a side of the handheld controller device and configured to move along respective trigger paths. A coupling assembly is disposed inside the housing and connected to the pair of triggers. The coupling assembly is configured to transfer motion between the pair of triggers such that, when either of the triggers moves towards the housing along its respective trigger path, the coupling assembly moves the other trigger an equal distance away from the housing along its trigger path. Circuitry in the housing includes one or more sensors and a microcontroller configured to receive sensor signals and, in response, generate aircraft control data (e.g., for a flight simulation or remotely controlled flyable aircraft).