Programmable Flight Control Interface for Multi-Aircraft Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customizing flight simulators to mimic the flight controls of different aircraft is time-consuming and expensive due to the need for a customized installation process for each type of aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A programmable flight control interface that includes a microcontroller device with multiple input pins and an Ethernet port, capable of receiving and attributing control signals from various flight control devices, converting them into a format compatible with the flight simulator computer, and sending them via Ethernet, allowing for efficient updating to accommodate different types and configurations of flight control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If customized installation process is used for each aircraft type, then flight simulator fidelity is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal flight control interface that can accommodate multiple aircraft types and control configurations through programmable mapping. The interface device serves multiple functions by receiving signals from various flight control devices (cyclic, collective, throttle, mixture controls) and routing them to appropriate simulation parameters through software configuration, eliminating the need for custom hardware installations for each aircraft type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses programmable parameter mapping to change the functional assignment of physical controls. The interface device allows reconfiguration of control signal routing, gain values, and parameter associations through software, enabling the same physical hardware to simulate different aircraft control systems by changing parameters rather than physical structure.
2Reliability
If customized installation process is used for each aircraft type, then flight simulator fidelity is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device provides a universal solution that works across multiple aircraft types and simulation platforms. By using a single reconfigurable hardware platform with programmable signal routing and parameter mapping capabilities, the system eliminates the need for expensive custom installations for each aircraft type while maintaining high simulation fidelity through software-based configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of aircraft control systems through software mapping rather than physical replicas. The programmable interface can replicate the electrical and functional characteristics of various flight control systems through configurable signal routing and parameter transformation, avoiding the cost of manufacturing and installing custom hardware for each aircraft type.
3Device complexity
If fixed flight control configuration is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different aircraft types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control interface implements dynamic reconfigurability through programmable signal routing and parameter mapping. The system can change its operational configuration in real-time or between sessions through software settings, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt to different aircraft types, control layouts, and simulation requirements without physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through changing software parameters rather than physical configuration. The interface device allows modification of signal routing maps, gain values, threshold settings, and parameter associations through programmable controls, enabling the same hardware to simulate different aircraft control systems by adjusting parameters rather than reconfiguring physical connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotorcraft flight simulator system includes physical flight control devices for a rotorcraft vehicle. Each of the flight control devices is configured to generate, when actuated, one or more control signals via an output connector of that flight control device. The system includes a programmable interface with multiple input pins, and each of the output connectors is coupled to a respective input pin. The programmable interface includes a controller configured to attribute particular control signals received at a particular input pin to a specific flight control device. The system includes a flight simulator computer configured to receive output signals from the controller via an Ethernet port. The output signals include, for the specific flight control device, header information indicating the specific flight control device and flight control data corresponding to a particular control signal received at the particular input pin that is associated with the specific flight control device.