Rotatable Joystick Mount for Fast Flight Simulator Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight simulators require lengthy reconfiguration when switching between center and side joystick configurations, disrupting pilot training due to the lack of an efficient control structure for easy reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable control structure for flight simulators featuring a mounting arm and platform with rotatable coupling mechanisms and locking members, allowing the joystick to be easily positioned and secured in multiple configurations, including center and side stick setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed control structure is used in flight simulators, then the simulator can accurately simulate a specific cockpit configuration, but it requires lengthy reconfiguration when switching between different cockpit configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The control structure employs rotatable mounting arms with locking mechanisms that enable dynamic repositioning of the joystick between center and side configurations. The mounting arm can rotate around a vertical axis and be locked at different angular positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different simulation requirements without lengthy reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed to support multiple cockpit configurations (center stick and side stick) using the same physical hardware. The universal mounting platform can accommodate different joystick positions and orientations, allowing a single simulator to function as multiple different aircraft configurations through simple positional adjustments rather than complete reconfiguration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the joystick is fixed in a specific position, then the control structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different cockpit configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The control structure is divided into segmented, independently adjustable components: a mounting platform, a rotatable mounting arm, and a locking mechanism. Each segment can be independently positioned and locked, allowing flexible reconfiguration without requiring complex integrated systems. The segmentation enables simple rotational adjustments rather than complete structural changes
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
Enables quick and efficient reconfiguration between different cockpit configurations without interrupting pilot training, supporting both side stick and center stick simulations with minimal setup changes.
Implementation Method 1
the first coupling mechanism is configured to rotate the mounting arm around an axis substantially normal to a major axis of the seat
Implementation Method 2
the second coupling mechanism is configured to rotate the mounting platform around an axis substantially normal to a major axis of the mounting arm
Implementation Method 3
the locking member is configured to prevent rotation of the mounting arm if the locking member is in the locked position
Implementation Method 4
the first coupling mechanism further includes a stop configured to restrict a range of rotation of the mounting arm
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable control structure for a flight simulator includes a chair having a support frame and a seat. The adjustable control structure further includes a mounting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the mounting arm rotatably coupled to the support frame by a first coupling mechanism. The adjustable control structure also includes a mounting platform rotatably coupled to the second end of the mounting arm by a second coupling mechanism. The mounting platform is configured to receive a flight control instrument.