Pivoting Flight Controller Assembly for Easier Cockpit Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helicopter/rotorcraft cockpit designs hinder pilot ingress and egress due to the outboard flight controller, which can block access and pose a risk to sensitive instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a pivot bracket and carriage system that rotates and translates relative to the seat bracket, allowing the outboard flight controller to be pivoted out of the way, thus creating space for easier pilot access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outboard flight controller is attached to the pilot's seat, then the flight controller is securely positioned for operation, but it blocks or hinders the pilot's ability to get past the flight controller in order to occupy the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The flight controller is mounted on a dynamic mechanism that allows it to rotate from a forward position (blocking the seat) to a rearward position (clearing the seat). The system transitions from a static blocked state to a dynamic cleared state, enabling pilot access while maintaining secure positioning during flight operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a rotation mechanism that segments the flight controller's position into distinct operational states (forward for operation, rearward for access). This segmentation allows the flight controller to be positioned differently for different operational phases without compromising its secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If the outboard flight controller is positioned forward for operation, then it is accessible to the pilot, but it can be struck or jolted by the pilot while entering or exiting the cockpit
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically repositions the flight controller to a rearward location during pilot ingress and egress, removing it from the hazardous zone where it could be struck. During normal flight operations, the controller rotates forward to its operational position, maintaining accessibility while minimizing exposure to harmful factors during critical transition phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight controller is repositioned to a safe rearward location before the pilot enters or exits the cockpit. This preliminary action prevents the potential harmful interaction by ensuring the controller is not in the pilot's path during entry or exit, eliminating the risk of striking or jolting the instrumentation.
3Ease of operation
If the flight controller swings upwards on a 4-bar linkage system, then it moves rearward for access, but the upward motion drives the flight controller into other equipment mounted to the seat
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the flight controller purely upward or purely rearward, the system uses a rotation mechanism that moves the controller along a circular arc path. This dimensional change allows the controller to clear the seat area for access without driving upward into other equipment, as the motion follows a different trajectory that avoids the conflict zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism provides dynamic control over the flight controller's movement path, allowing it to swing rearward and downward in a coordinated motion rather than moving straight up. This dynamic repositioning clears the seat area for pilot access while maintaining clearance from other equipment mounted to the seat structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A flight controller ingress and egress system is implemented using an assembly. The assembly pivots an outboard flight controller (206). The pivoting of the outboard flight controller (206) creates a space for the pilot to ingress and egress through the aircraft door more easily. The assembly improves pilot safety and convenience when during ingress and egress from the aircraft. The assembly includes a seat bracket (102), a pivot bracket (104), a carriage (108), and a link (106).