Inceptor Apparatus Inertial Force Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inceptor apparatuses for controlling machines are hindered by inertial forces, requiring significant volume and weight due to mass balancing methods, which complicates steering, especially in vehicles undergoing maneuvers, and existing solutions are either heavy or require large space for movement.
Innovation Solution
An inceptor apparatus with a stick member, sensors for detecting inertial forces, and actuators to generate compensation signals that counteract inertial forces, allowing for precise control and reduced physical effort, enabling operation in both active and passive modes with reduced size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive mass balancing is used to counter acceleration forces, then the inceptor can compensate for inertial forces, but the device becomes heavy and requires large volume for mass movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical mass balancing system with an active control system using actuators and control units. Instead of relying on passive inertial masses, the system uses controlled actuators to generate compensation forces based on sensor feedback, thereby eliminating the need for heavy counterbalancing masses while achieving the same inertial force compensation effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from static mass balancing to dynamic control by using sensors to detect actual stick position and control units to calculate required compensation forces in real-time. This allows the system to adapt compensation forces dynamically based on operating conditions, replacing fixed mechanical parameters with controllable variable parameters
2Reliability
If passive mass balancing is used to counter acceleration forces, then the inceptor can compensate for inertial forces, but the device requires significant volume for mass movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical mass balancing system with an active control system using actuators and control units. Instead of relying on passive inertial masses, the system uses controlled actuators to generate compensation forces based on sensor feedback, thereby eliminating the need for heavy counterbalancing masses while achieving the same inertial force compensation effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a mechanical dimension solution (adding mass at the end of the stick) to a control system dimension solution (using sensors and actuators with control algorithms). This dimensional shift allows compensation without requiring additional physical space for mass movement, as the control system processes information and generates forces electronically and mechanically through actuators
3Reliability
If active mass balancing with actuators is used, then the amount of mass required is reduced, but the device still requires significant volume and provides a weight penalty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the inceptor system: position sensing, force generation, and control processing are combined in a unified active control system. The actuators serve both to position the stick and to compensate for inertial forces, while sensors provide feedback for both position measurement and compensation control, eliminating the need for separate mass balancing components that would occupy additional volume
4Reliability
If conventional mass balancing is used, then inertial forces are compensated, but the lever ratio is limited due to limited depth available in the inceptor unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static mass balancing with a dynamic control system that can adjust compensation forces in real-time based on operating conditions. The control unit calculates required compensation forces dynamically using sensor feedback and actuator control, allowing the system to adapt to different lever ratios and operating scenarios without being constrained by fixed mechanical mass balance geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from static mass balancing to dynamic control by using sensors to detect actual stick position and control units to calculate required compensation forces in real-time. This allows the system to adapt compensation forces dynamically based on operating conditions, replacing fixed mechanical parameters with controllable variable parameters
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 apparatus effectively compensates for inertial forces, reducing operator effort and allowing for smaller, lighter designs, enhancing control precision and safety while minimizing space and weight requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the machine providing an output from at least one inertial sensor associated with the machine indicative of inertial forces detected during operation of the machine
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuator coupled to the base portion, operable in response to the generated stick member position compensation signal to apply a force to the base portion substantially to counter a component of the inertial force acting on the stick member
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
INCEPTOR APPARATUS An inceptor apparatus and method for operating a machine, theoperation of the machine providing an output from at least one inertial sensor. The apparatus comprises a stick member having a base portion, and a grip portion extending from the base portion in only one direction. The apparatus further comprises at least one sensor for generating actual stick member position data, and a control unit configured to receive an inertial force signal from the or each inertial sensor and the actual stick member position data. The control unit is operable generate a first stick member position compensation signal in dependence upon the inertial force signal and actual stick member position data. Figure 1.