Piloting Member Coupling via Servo Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional piloting devices for aircraft, both mechanical and fly-by-wire, face challenges in coupling piloting members between pilots, resulting in complex, costly, bulky, and heavy systems that are not compatible with admittance control, and require numerous detectors to manage force feedback effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for coupling piloting members using a servo device with a force saturator that limits control signals within specific saturation values, allowing for a simpler, lighter, and less costly system capable of disconnecting piloting members when necessary, and compatible with both impedance and admittance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional mechanical connection rods or cables are used to couple piloting members, then the coupling is mechanically direct and simple, but the system becomes complex, costly, bulky, and heavy when additional devices are added to disconnect joysticks during excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coupling system (connection rods, cables, and mechanical disconnect devices) with an electrical control system. The servo device receives control signals and generates force feedback through electrical actuators, eliminating the need for complex mechanical disconnect mechanisms while maintaining reliable force feedback control through electronic saturation limits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses saturation values as electrical parameters to limit control signals to the servo device. By adjusting the saturation values, the system automatically disconnects or limits force feedback when excessive forces are detected, replacing mechanical disconnect devices with flexible electrical parameter control that maintains system reliability without adding mechanical complexity
2Reliability
If numerous detectors and correction loops are added to manage force feedback in traditional systems, then force feedback control is achieved, but the system becomes costly, bulky, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The servo device performs multiple functions: it receives control signals, generates force feedback, and automatically limits feedback through saturation values. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate detectors and correction loops, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable force feedback management
Solution Approach 2:
The servo device automatically manages force feedback through its built-in saturation mechanism. When control signals exceed saturation values, the device self-limits the force feedback without requiring external detectors or correction loops, making the system simpler and more cost-effective while maintaining control reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional systems use fixed mechanical coupling, then the structure is simple, but the system is not compatible with admittance control and lacks adaptability to different control modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the servo device can adapt to different control modes (impedance and admittance control) through electrical control signals. The saturation values and control signal processing can be dynamically adjusted based on the operating mode, providing versatility without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for coupling piloting members (20, 50), wherein saturation values (SCpsat−, SCpsat+, SCcopsat−, SCcopsat+) of at least one force saturator (28, 58) are adapted such that a force-feedback is exerted for each of these saturation values at a force-feedback value, taken at the force application centre of the manoeuvring handle (21, 51), of between 4 daN and 40 daN, with the result that a function of disconnecting is at least in part performed by the at least one force saturator.