Helical Link Grip for Aircraft Thrust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotary wing aircraft control systems lack an intuitive and robust mechanism for controlling thrust, particularly in hybrid aircraft with additional thrust systems, which can be critical for safe and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A pilot-operated control member featuring a stick with a helically linked grip that allows both rotational and translational movement, enabling intuitive control of thrust systems by combining turning and translation forces, and is mechanically connected to a movement transmission mechanism for precise control of propeller pitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional control mechanism is used for thrust control, then the system structure is simple, but the control intuitiveness and emergency control capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control member is segmented into a stick portion and a grip portion that can move independently relative to each other along the stick's longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the grip to provide intuitive rotational control while the stick provides translational control, enhancing overall control intuitiveness without requiring a completely complex new mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism transitions from single-dimensional control to two-dimensional control by allowing the grip to move along the longitudinal axis of the stick while maintaining rotational capability. This adds a translational degree of freedom to the traditional rotational control, creating a more intuitive control interface that maps better to natural hand movements.
2Reliability
If a simple control mechanism is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the emergency control capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The grip is pre-configured with the capability to control the thrust system independently of the stick, creating a preliminary emergency control path. In normal operation, the stick provides primary control, but the grip's independent movement capability along the stick's axis is already in place to take over control functions immediately if needed, without requiring additional emergency mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip acts as an intermediary control element between the pilot and the thrust system. It can function as a secondary control path that mediates emergency control requests, allowing the pilot to override or supplement the primary stick control through the grip's independent translational movements along the stick.
3Measurement precision
If separate controls are used for different thrust components, then the control precision is high, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control member merges the stick and grip into a single integrated control assembly where both elements work together to control the thrust system. The stick and grip are mechanically connected through the movement transmission mechanism, combining their control inputs (translational and rotational) into a unified control signal that maintains precision while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control member serves multiple functions: the stick provides primary translational control, the grip provides secondary rotational control and emergency control capability, and together they control both individual and collective thrust components. This multi-functionality allows a single control member to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate controls.
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 control member provides robust, ergonomic, and intuitive control over thrust systems, enabling efficient acceleration and deceleration of aircraft, with enhanced emergency control capabilities and compatibility with existing aircraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
The grip is linked to the stick by a helical link so that turning the grip about the stick generates movement in translation of the grip together with the movable assembly along the stick
Data Source
AI summary
A control member that is operable by a pilot to vary thrust from a thrust system of an aircraft. The control member comprises a stick and a movable assembly including a grip. The grip is linked to the stick via a helical link, rotation of the grip about the stick giving rise to movement in translation of the grip together with the movable assembly along the stick, the grip being movable in translation in both a first direction in translation and in a second direction in translation that is opposite to the first direction in translation.