Reversible Flight Control System with Adjustable Over-Centered Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft control systems face challenges in modifying control forces experienced by pilots, which can vary significantly with aerodynamic and flight parameters, leading to inconsistent pilot effort requirements across different flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
An over-centered spring system is integrated into the flight control system, with adjustable preload settings and a centering device, allowing for dynamic modification of control forces through actuators based on parameters like airspeed, Mach number, and load factor, ensuring consistent pilot effort across the flight envelope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flight control systems are used, then basic control function is provided, but control forces vary significantly with aerodynamic and flight parameters leading to inconsistent pilot effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spring preload adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts the spring preload based on flight conditions (airspeed, Mach number, load factor) through actuators that modify the preload setting, allowing the control forces to vary appropriately with changing aerodynamic and flight parameters while maintaining consistent pilot effort requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spring preload to adapt control forces to different flight conditions. By modifying the preload setting of the over-centered spring based on parameters such as airspeed, Mach number, and load factor, the system achieves consistent pilot effort across varying aerodynamic conditions while maintaining the basic control function.
2Force
If spring preload is increased to reduce control forces at high speed, then control forces are lightened, but force may be excessively lightened or reversed at low speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts spring preload based on flight conditions rather than using a fixed setting. Actuators modify the preload in real-time according to airspeed, Mach number, and load factor, ensuring that control forces are appropriately lightened at high speeds but not excessively lightened or reversed at low speeds, thus maintaining adaptability across the entire speed range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where flight parameters (airspeed, Mach number, load factor) are monitored and used to adjust spring preload accordingly. This feedback control ensures that the control force reduction is scheduled appropriately across different speed conditions, preventing excessive lightening at low speeds while maintaining effectiveness at high speeds.
3Ease of operation
If over-centered spring is added to modify control forces, then pilot effort consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The over-centered spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides control force modification, adapts to different flight conditions, and maintains pilot effort consistency. By integrating the spring system with adjustable preload and actuator mechanisms, the patent achieves multi-functionality that improves ease of operation while managing the added complexity through a unified design approach.
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 effectively reduces or increases control forces as needed, enhancing pilot control consistency and stability, preventing issues like rudder lock and maintaining regulatory force limits, while incorporating a jam detection mechanism for safety.
Implementation Method 1
An over-centered spring is applied to a pivoting mechanism within a flight control system
Implementation Method 2
The over-centered spring has a scheduled preload compression or tension applied to it so that it offers a control force reduction or stiffening to the system
Implementation Method 3
The centering device resists motion of the attached arm within a specified breakout force
Data Source
AI summary
An improved flight control system is described, providing for increased or reduced pilot input forces necessary to cause desired control surface deflections.