Kinesthetic Control System for Powered Lift Platform

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing powered lift platforms with kinesthetic control systems are limited by weight and utility, requiring an effective system that minimizes pilot training and allows non-classically trained personnel to operate them safely and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A kinesthetic control system for a powered lift platform that includes a control handle bar with linkage assemblies, hand grips, and roll bars, coupled with airflow alteration mechanisms using actuators and longitudinal control surfaces, allowing intuitive control of pitch, roll, and yaw through aerodynamic adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional complex control systems are used in powered lift platforms, then reliability of aircraft control is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of aircraft controlVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control linkages with a kinesthetic control system that uses the pilot's body movements and balance to directly control the aircraft. The control system utilizes the pilot's natural balancing capability and intuitive sense of orientation, substituting traditional mechanical control surfaces and linkages with a system that responds to the pilot's physical movements and posture changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system leverages the pilot's own body as the control mechanism. The pilot's center of gravity, balance, and natural movements become the primary control inputs, eliminating the need for complex external control systems. The system serves itself by using the operator's inherent physical capabilities rather than requiring additional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If traditional control systems are used, then aircraft control precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive pilot training requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of aircraft controlVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of control input from manual manipulation of control surfaces to the pilot's body movements and center of gravity positioning. This parameter change allows for more intuitive control while maintaining precision, as the pilot's natural balance and orientation sense provide continuous feedback for accurate aircraft positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If lightweight materials and reduced structure are used in powered lift platforms, then weight of the platform is reduced, but strength and structural integrity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of lift platformVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials that combine lightweight properties with high strength characteristics. These composite structures provide the necessary structural integrity while minimizing weight, enabling the platform to maintain strength requirements without sacrificing the weight reduction benefits of lightweight construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system enhances control forces, reduces weight and drag, and simplifies pilot training by leveraging intuitive balancing and control techniques, enabling safer and more efficient operation for non-classically trained pilots.

Implementation Method 1

each actuator may be positioned between an open position and a closed position, where an actuator in the open position provides minimal profile to airflow passing between the inner cowling member and the duct, and where an actuator in the closed position redirects airflow entering between the inner cowling member and the duct outboard between the outer cowling member and the duct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow redirection:

Implementation Method 2

Forward movement of the control handle bar from a neutral position generates a nose-down pitching moment; rearward movement of the control handle bar from the neutral position generates a nose-up pitching moment; counterclockwise movement of the control handle bar from the neutral position generates a counterclockwise rotation of the lift platform about a lift platform vertical centerline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic moment generation:

Data Source

PatentUS8651432B2Air-vehicle integrated kinesthetic control system

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 AEROFEX CORP

AI summary

A lift platform with a kinesthetic control system that is coupled to means for altering air flow through the first and second longitudinally-spaced ducts comprising the lift platform is provided. The control system includes a control handle bar with left and right hand grips, and first and second control roll bars located on either side of the lift platform's central cowling. Forward/rearward movement of the control handle bar from a neutral position generates nose-down/nose-up pitching moments, respectively; counterclockwise/clockwise movement of the control handle bar from the neutral position generates counterclockwise rotation/clockwise rotation of the lift platform about a lift platform vertical centerline; and left movement/right movement of the control roll bars generates left roll/right roll moments about the lift platform roll axis.