Aircraft Sidestick Actuation for Precise Parabolic Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots face challenges in executing precise parabolic maneuvers for microgravity experiences without external guidance, necessitating improved aircraft control systems for safe and accurate execution.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a platform, sidewalls, elongate members, actuators, and arcuate tracks is used to manipulate the aircraft control stick, enabling precise positioning and execution of preprogrammed maneuvers through actuators that move elongate members along defined paths to exert forces on the control stick, simulating altered gravitational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a manual control stick system is used for parabolic maneuvers, then the pilot has direct control, but the precision and safety of maneuver execution deteriorates due to lack of external guidance
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom is introduced as an intermediary device between the pilot and the control stick. The robotic arm includes a base, first arm, second arm, and third arm that work together to precisely position and manipulate the control stick according to pre-programmed maneuver profiles, thereby achieving high precision without requiring the pilot to manually execute complex maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control system is partially replaced with an automated robotic manipulation system. The robotic arm uses actuators and sensors to automatically position the control stick, replacing the need for manual pilot input while maintaining the mechanical connection to the aircraft's flight control system
2Manufacturing precision
If precise control is implemented through robotic manipulation, then maneuver accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple arms and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulation system is segmented into multiple independent arms (first arm, second arm, third arm), each with its own actuators and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions and simplifies the overall control architecture by distributing the complexity across modular units rather than requiring a single complex mechanism
3Reliability
If preprogrammed maneuvers are executed automatically, then safety and precision improve, but the pilot's direct control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the pilot to select between different operational modes. The robotic arm can execute pre-programmed maneuvers automatically when high precision and safety are required, while also allowing manual override or assisted control when pilot direct control is needed, making the system flexible rather than purely automated
Data Source
AI summary
A system for manipulating the control stick of an aircraft including: (1) a platform having an aperture, wherein the control stick is positioned within an area defined by the aperture; (2) a first sidewall secured to and extending perpendicular to the platform; (3) a second sidewall, opposing the first sidewall, secured to and extending perpendicular to the platform; (4) a first elongate member extending between the first and second sidewall, positioned on a first side of the control stick; (5) a second elongate member extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, positioned on a second side of the control stick, wherein the first side of the control stick opposes the second side of the control stick; (6) a first actuator configured to move the first elongate member along a first path; and (7) a second actuator configured to move the second elongate member along a second path.