Cockpit Inceptor Armrest Yaw Control With Reduced Axis Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cockpit control systems experience undesired coupling between different control axes, particularly in yaw control implementations on a third axis, leading to inefficiencies and the need for additional components like rudder pedals.

Innovation Solution

A cockpit control inceptor featuring an armrest that moves relative to a fixed part to provide aircraft control commands, with integrated sensors and a side stick that rotates and translates to minimize axis coupling, allowing separate control of yaw, pitch, and roll through forearm and wrist movements, eliminating the need for rudder pedals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If yaw control is implemented on a third axis of the side stick by rotating the grip around the vertical axis, then the need for rudder pedals is eliminated, but undesired coupling between different axes occurs during operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidaxis coupling interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control inceptor is segmented into functionally independent axes: the first axis (longitudinal) handles roll control, the second axis (transverse) handles pitch control, and the third axis (vertical) handles yaw control. Each axis operates independently with dedicated movement zones, preventing coupling between different control functions while maintaining a unified control structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If rudder pedals are removed and replaced by a third control axis on the side stick, then weight is saved, but undesired coupling between axes during operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecockpit control weightVSAvoidcontrol axis coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control inceptor is segmented into functionally independent axes: the first axis (longitudinal) handles roll control, the second axis (transverse) handles pitch control, and the third axis (vertical) handles yaw control. Each axis operates independently with dedicated movement zones, preventing coupling between different control functions while maintaining a unified control structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single inceptor integrates yaw, pitch, and roll controls, then weight and cost are decreased, but control precision may be compromised due to axis coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system integrationVSAvoidcontrol command precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control inceptor is segmented into functionally independent axes: the first axis (longitudinal) handles roll control, the second axis (transverse) handles pitch control, and the third axis (vertical) handles yaw control. Each axis operates independently with dedicated movement zones, preventing coupling between different control functions while maintaining a unified control structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the control inceptor are optimized for specific functions: the longitudinal axis region is optimized for roll control with appropriate sensitivity and range, the transverse axis region for pitch control, and the vertical axis region for yaw control. Each region has localized mechanical and sensor characteristics tuned to its specific control requirements, ensuring precision without interference from other axes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250361003A1Cockpit controller inceptor with yaw control by lateral displacement

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 RATIER FIGEAC SAS

AI summary

A cockpit control inceptor for an aircraft includes an armrest configured to receive the forearm of a user and to be operated by the forearm of the user in at least one direction. A first end of the armrest is coupled to a handle; wherein the armrest is connected to a fixed part of the cockpit control inceptor, wherein the armrest is configured to move relative to the fixed part of the cockpit control inceptor to provide a first aircraft control command.