Parallel Force Feel Device for Aircraft Inceptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial force feel generating devices in aircraft lack effective implementation of flight domain limitations and limit indications, leading to increased pilot workload and potential damage due to unintended control actions, and they lose functionality in the event of electrical power loss.
Innovation Solution
An artificial force feel generating device with separate mechanical and tactile cue force generating units, arranged in parallel, where the mechanical unit provides a nominal force independent of electrical power and the tactile cue force is generated by motor torque, allowing for enhanced pilot feedback and reduced structural loads, and integrated with sensors for advanced flight domain limitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial breakout forces are increased to support AFCS operating mode, then AFCS control authority is improved, but pilot workload increases and unintended control actions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The force generating system is segmented into two independent units: a mechanical force generating device providing nominal breakout forces, and an electrical force generating device providing tactile cue forces. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each unit's characteristics - the mechanical unit ensures baseline reliability while the electrical unit provides adjustable feedback for enhanced control authority without increasing overall system sensitivity to unintended inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical force generating device allows dynamic adjustment of force parameters (magnitude, direction, timing) based on flight conditions and pilot input characteristics. This parameter variability enables the system to provide enhanced control authority when needed while maintaining sensitivity to genuine pilot intentions, resolving the contradiction between AFCS stability and pilot control sensitivity.
2Extent of automation
If electrical motors are used for force generation, then control precision and adjustability are improved, but system reliability deteriorates in case of power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments force generation between mechanical means (springs, friction devices) and electrical motors. The mechanical force generating device operates independently of electrical power, ensuring that nominal breakout forces and centering forces remain available during power loss. This segmentation resolves the reliability issue while the electrical portion maintains automation and adjustability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical force generating device is designed to be self-sufficient, using inherent mechanical properties (spring elasticity, friction) to generate forces without external power input. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation during electrical power loss, maintaining the contradiction resolution between automation benefits and reliability under adverse conditions.
3Reliability
If flight domain limitation is implemented, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical force generating device serves multiple functions: providing tactile cue forces for enhanced control authority, delivering flight domain limitation forces to prevent unsafe operations, and offering adjustable feedback for various flight conditions. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional unit, the system achieves improved safety without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware platform performs multiple protective and control roles.
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 solution minimizes pilot training duration, reduces structural loads, and enhances operational safety by providing continuous nominal force feedback and adjustable tactile cues, reducing the risk of unintended control actions and maintaining system functionality during power loss.
Implementation Method 1
the first force generating device comprises at least one mechanical force generating unit... the at least one mechanical force generating unit is a spring unit
Implementation Method 2
the second force generating device is provided for generating a tactile cue force acting in operation on the inceptor... the tactile cue force is generated by motor torque
Implementation Method 3
the at least one mechanical force generating unit is a friction unit
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial force feel generating device for generation of an artificial feeling of force on an inceptor of a vehicle control system, the inceptor being adapted for controlling a servo-assisted control unit of the vehicle control system via a mechanical linkage, wherein at least one first force generating device and at least one second force generating device are mechanically connected to the inceptor, the first force generating device being provided for generating a nominal force acting in operation on the inceptor and the second force generating device being provided for generating a tactile cue force acting in operation on the inceptor, the first and second force generating devices being arranged in parallel. The invention relates further to an aircraft comprising such an artificial force feel generating device.