Rotating Haptic Actuator for Aircraft Control Stick
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating a haptic device into a rotary-wing aircraft control stick is challenging due to the stick's maneuverable nature, which complicates the placement of vibrating members, and existing solutions either obstruct wiring or fail to provide effective vibration feedback to the pilot.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device with a mass assembly comprising branches extending circumferentially around a central axis, connected by a mobility means allowing rotation, and an excitation member powered by electrical means to induce vibration, which can be fixed to the control stick without obstructing wiring and provides effective vibration feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the vibrating member is integrated in the handle of the control stick, then the pilot can perceive vibrations effectively, but the handle dimensions become relatively large and wiring circulation is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibrating member from the handle interior and relocates it to the exterior surface of the control stick. This allows the vibration generation function to be separated from the handle's internal space constraints, enabling effective vibration feedback without increasing handle dimensions or obstructing wiring circulation within the control stick.
2Volume of moving object
If the vibrating member is integrated in the gimbal system, then wiring circulation is not obstructed, but the pilot does not easily perceive the vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the exterior surface of the control stick as an intermediary medium to transmit vibrations from the vibrating member directly to the pilot's hand. This intermediary surface allows vibrations to be effectively transmitted to the pilot without requiring the vibrating member to be located in positions that would obstruct wiring, such as within the gimbal system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control stick includes multiple maneuverable means (switches), then the control functionality is enhanced, but the integration of haptic devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the vibrating member from a three-dimensional interior location (within the handle or gimbal) to a two-dimensional exterior surface location on the control stick. This dimensional change allows the haptic device to be integrated without interfering with the multiple maneuverable means and switches that provide enhanced control functionality, as the exterior surface provides adequate space for vibration generation.
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 solution allows for efficient integration of the haptic device on the control stick, avoiding wiring obstruction and ensuring the pilot perceives vibrations effectively, enhancing pilot feedback without compromising the stick's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation member comprising electrical excitation means configured to cause said at least one branch to rotate about the axis of rotation from a rest position to an activated position
Implementation Method 2
an elastic return means tending to hold each branch in the corresponding rest position
Implementation Method 3
a mass assembly comprising at least one hinged branch extending circumferentially over at least 45 degrees around a central axis
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a haptic device (20) comprising a base (30) and at least one beating arm (41, 42, 43). Said at least one arm (41, 42, 43) is connected to the base (30) by a means of mobility (50) conferring a rotational degree of freedom (ROT) to said arm (41, 42, 43) about an axis of rotation (AX3, AX4, AX5) relative to the base (30). An excitation element (60) comprises an electrical excitation means (61) configured to cause said at least one arm (41, 42, 43) to beat in rotation about the axis of rotation (AX3, AX4, AX5) from a rest position to an activated position, an elastic return means (70) tending to maintain each arm (41, 42, 43) in the corresponding rest position.