Joystick Flight Guidance Panel with Rotary Encoder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flight guidance panels in transport category aircraft require visual confirmation of button and knob selection, are limited by the need for dedicated physical space, and lack remote accessibility, making it difficult for pilots to efficiently control autopilot modes and functions, especially during long flights.

Innovation Solution

A flight guidance panel featuring a joystick with rotary encoders and a deflection sensor, coupled with a processor that allows pilots to select subpanels and adjust flight value goals through intuitive deflection and rotation inputs, enabling remote operation and reducing the need for physical button and knob manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If dedicated buttons and knobs are used for each autopilot function, then visual confirmation of selection is improved, but the physical space required increases and remote accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual confirmationVSAvoidremote accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The joystick is designed to perform multiple functions: it can select different autopilot subpanels by deflection direction, adjust parameters within each subpanel by rotation, and engage/disengage autopilot modes. This single multi-functional device replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated buttons and knobs, reducing physical space while maintaining full functionality and providing tactile feedback for selection confirmation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If dedicated buttons and knobs are used for each autopilot function, then mode selection control is improved, but the physical space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode selection controlVSAvoidphysical space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate control elements (buttons for subpanel selection, knobs for parameter adjustment, and mode engagement switches) into a single integrated joystick control. The joystick uses different input methods (deflection in different directions, rotation, and pushing) to perform all these functions, consolidating what would require significant physical space into a compact single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The joystick serves as a universal control device that can select any autopilot subpanel, adjust any parameter within selected subpanels, and engage/disengage autopilot modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple dedicated control elements, significantly reducing the physical space required while maintaining comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated controls are provided for different autopilot functions, then control functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidnumber of controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joystick is designed as a universal control device that can perform all autopilot control functions: selecting different subpanels (lateral, speed, vertical, altitude) by deflecting in different directions, adjusting parameters within each subpanel by rotation, and engaging/disengaging autopilot modes by pushing. This single multi-functional device replaces multiple dedicated controls, reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances pilot control efficiency by allowing all flight guidance panel functions to be performed without removing the hand from the joystick, improving accessibility and reducing the physical space requirements, thus enhancing usability and accessibility during flight operations.

Implementation Method 1

The rotary encoder is coupled with the joystick to receive rotation inputs from a user of the joystick

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotary encoder:

Implementation Method 2

The deflection sensor is coupled with the joystick to detect a deflection input from a user of the joystick

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeflection sensor:

Data Source

PatentUS11993393B2Flight guidance panels with joystick controls

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

A flight guidance panel for an aircraft includes a subpanel display, a joystick, rotary encoders, a deflection sensor, and a processor. The subpanel display indicates autopilot modes and flight value goals and has a top-level state and a subpanel control state. The joystick is for user interaction with the subpanel display. The rotary encoder is coupled with the joystick to receive rotation inputs from a user of the joystick. The deflection sensor is coupled with the joystick to detect a deflection input from the user of the joystick. The processor is programmed to: change a state of the subpanel display to the subpanel control state corresponding to a selected subpanel in response to receiving the deflection input while the subpanel display is in the top-level state; and change the flight value goals in response to receiving the rotation inputs while the subpanel display is in the subpanel control state.