Integrated Flight Control Stick for Multi-Axis Cockpit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft flight control systems are complex, non-intuitive, and require separate controls for yaw, pitch, roll, and braking, which can be cumbersome and heavy to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A control stick that integrates a moveable element allowing graduated input for controlling yaw, pitch, and roll, with additional controls for braking, all accessible through intuitive finger and thumb movements, simplifying cockpit operations and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate controls are used for yaw, pitch, roll, and braking, then each control function can be independently optimized, but the overall system complexity increases and the cockpit becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate flight control functions (yaw, pitch, roll, and braking controls) into a single integrated control stick. The control stick includes a main body for pitch and roll control, with an attached moveable element for yaw control, and a brake actuator for braking control. This merging of functions into one unified control interface reduces cockpit complexity while maintaining all necessary control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control stick is designed as a universal control device that performs multiple functions: the main body handles pitch and roll control, the attached moveable element provides yaw control, and the integrated brake actuator enables braking control. This multi-functional design allows a single control device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, simplifying the cockpit layout.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate controls are installed for yaw, pitch, roll, and braking, then each control can be independently maintained, but the total weight and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single control stick assembly, reducing the total number of separate components that need to be installed and maintained. By integrating the yaw control element and brake actuator into the main control stick structure, the overall weight of the control system is reduced compared to having separate controls for each function.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional control stick is used without additional elements, then the basic pitch and roll control is simple, but the ability to control yaw and braking is limited or requires separate controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where a moveable element for yaw control is attached to the main control stick body. This nested arrangement allows the pilot to access and operate multiple control functions through a single integrated interface, with the moveable element positioned to be operable by the pilot's finger while remaining attached to the main control stick structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable element acts as an intermediary component that extends the control stick's functionality to include yaw control. This intermediate element is positioned on the control stick and can be moved by the pilot's finger to provide graduated input for yaw control, while being mechanically linked to the main control stick structure.
4Ease of operation
If separate rudder pedals and thrust levers are used, then each control function is independently accessible, but the pilot must manage multiple control devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions that would traditionally be distributed across multiple separate devices (rudder pedals for yaw and thrust levers for thrust control) into a single integrated control stick. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control devices the pilot must manage simultaneously, simplifying the cockpit interface while maintaining all necessary control functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A flight control system for an aircraft. The aircraft has a set of principle axes including a roll axis and a pitch axis. The flight control system includes a control stick that is configured to move forwards and backwards and left and right to control movement of the aircraft about its roll and pitch axes, such movement of the control stick thus providing a first set of inputs to the flight control system. The control stick includes a further input in the form of a moveable element that can be moved between a range of positions and that is configured to provide a graduated input to the flight control system based on the position of the moveable element relative to a default position of the moveable element, the moveable element being positioned on a side or front portion of the control stick.