Aircraft Inceptor Oscillation Using Shared Resistive Force Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft control systems face challenges in providing oscillation to user-input devices like control yokes or inceptors, especially when the resistive force circuitry is in a passive or inactive mode, due to limited space and increased complexity and inertia from adding additional motors or unbalanced flywheels.
Innovation Solution
An oscillation system that uses shared motors with the resistive force circuitry to provide oscillations to the user-input device, independent of the circuitry's mode, eliminating the need for an offset cam or unbalanced flywheel, and allowing oscillations to be triggered by sensors or warning systems, even in passive mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional motors or unbalanced flywheels are added to provide oscillation, then oscillation capability is improved, but device complexity and inertia increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oscillation function with the existing resistive force motors by enabling them to operate in oscillation mode. The shared motors can switch between providing resistive force and generating oscillation, eliminating the need for separate oscillation motors or unbalanced flywheels. This merging approach maintains oscillation capability while reducing device complexity and inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive force motors are designed to perform multiple functions: they can provide continuous resistive force for normal operation and switch to generate oscillations when needed for stall warnings. This multi-functionality allows a single component to serve dual purposes, avoiding the need for additional dedicated oscillation components.
2Reliability
If additional motors or unbalanced flywheels are added to provide oscillation, then oscillation capability is improved, but the device's inertia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oscillation function into the existing resistive force motors, which are already part of the device's mass. By utilizing these shared motors for both resistive force and oscillation, the patent avoids adding new moving components that would increase inertia. The oscillation is generated by modulating the operation of existing motors rather than adding new rotating mass.
3Reliability
If separate oscillation circuitry is added, then oscillation provision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to control the shared motors in multiple modes: resistive force mode for normal operation and oscillation mode for warnings. The same control circuitry manages both functions by adjusting motor operation parameters, eliminating the need for separate oscillation control systems and reducing overall device complexity.
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
This solution enables efficient and redundant oscillation provision without increasing the device's inertia or complexity, ensuring effective warning notifications, such as impending stall alerts, by using less complex oscillation circuitry that can operate independently of the resistive force circuitry's status.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillation system comprises oscillation circuitry to cause at least one motor of a first set of motors to provide an oscillation to a user-input device
Implementation Method 2
The oscillation device, often known as a stick shaker, may be used as a backup or alternative to auditory or visual alerts and notify the user of the existence of the sensor input or provide a warning
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillation system includes an oscillation circuitry configured to cause at least one motor of a first set of motors to provide an oscillation of a user-input device in at least one axis of the user-input device. The oscillation may be triggered in response to an input from at least one sensor, the user-input device for operating an aircraft control system of an aircraft. The oscillation circuitry is configured to operate independently from a resistive force circuitry. The resistive force circuitry is to provide a resistive force to the user-input device, using the at least one motor of the first set of motors.