Interconnected Sidesticks Mechanical Linkage Fly-by-Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft fly-by-wire systems lack continuous mechanical linkage between sidesticks, which can lead to loss of control in case of jam or force fight between pilots, and do not provide effective feedback during autopilot operations.
Innovation Solution
A dual sidestick fly-by-wire system with mechanical linkage using low friction pulleys, cables, gears, and pushrods, along with sensors and autopilot servos, allowing coordinated motion and decoupling between sidesticks, and providing tactile feedback and autopilot control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical linkage is implemented between sidesticks, then control authority is maintained during autopilot operations, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical linkage system comprising cables, pulleys, and pushrods is introduced as an intermediary between the sidesticks and flight control system. This linkage provides continuous mechanical connection that maintains control authority while allowing the sidesticks to move in concert, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by using a well-established mechanical intermediary mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage is segmented into discrete components (cables, pulleys, pushrods, disconnect elements) that can independently function and be maintained. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall control authority while enabling localized repairs or adjustments, addressing the complexity concern through modular architecture
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical linkage is implemented between sidesticks, then coordinated motion is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to potential jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage incorporates a mechanical disconnect element that can dynamically transition between connected and disconnected states. This allows the system to maintain coordinated motion when needed while providing the capability to quickly decouple the sidesticks if jamming or force fights occur, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation through dynamic reconfigurability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical disconnect element is designed to be readily activatable in advance of actual jamming incidents. By preparing the decoupling mechanism beforehand, the system can rapidly respond to coordination failures without requiring complex real-time diagnostics, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring coordinated motion during normal operation
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical linkage is implemented between sidesticks, then tactile feedback is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system provides tactile feedback through its inherent mechanical properties - the cables, pulleys, and pushrods naturally transmit force and motion sensations from the aircraft's flight dynamics to the sidesticks. This self-service approach to tactile feedback eliminates the need for additional electronic sensors or actuators, resolving the contradiction between providing tactile feedback and increasing 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
Ensures continuous control authority and effective feedback during autopilot operations by enabling coordinated motion and decoupling between sidesticks, enhancing safety and pilot interface efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
low friction pulleys, cables, gears, and pushrods
Implementation Method 2
mechanical-disconnect element being adapted to actuate mechanical decoupling
Implementation Method 3
one or more sensors are coupled to the mechanical linkage on a pilot side of the mechanical-disconnect element for sensing pilot inputs
Implementation Method 4
roll autopilot servo coupled to the roll mechanical linkage for providing autopilot control or feedback
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnected flight controller for an aircraft includes a mechanical linkage connecting a pilot interface with a copilot interface. When an input is provided to either of the pilot or copilot interfaces, coordinated motion is provided between them of a proportional magnitude and direction. A mechanical-disconnect element within the mechanical linkage is adapted to actuate mechanical decoupling between the pilot interface and the copilot interface. One or more sensors is coupled to the mechanical linkage to sense inputs and communicate the inputs to a fly-by-wire flight controller. An autopilot servo is coupled to the mechanical linkage for providing autopilot control or feedback and a force-feedback subsystem is connected to the mechanical linkage to simulate and apply an opposing force of aircraft control surfaces to the pilot interface and the copilot interface.