Aircraft Sidestick Controller With Offset Finger Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft sidestick controllers are prone to inadvertent actuation of the trigger switch when a high load is applied, and there are concerns regarding ease of access to functions controlled by the controller.
Innovation Solution
A controller design featuring a first body portion for the middle, ring, and pinky fingers, a second body portion with a laterally actuated finger switch for intercom and radio transmit functions, and a third body portion with a thumb switch for trim and autopilot control, incorporating resistive feedback to prevent accidental actuation and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sidestick controller design is used, then the controller can be operated with standard finger placement, but the trigger switch is prone to inadvertent actuation when high load is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The finger switch is repositioned from a conventional location to the second body portion, creating a spatial separation that removes it from the high-load application zone. This dimensional relocation allows the switch to be actuated by finger movement rather than stick displacement, preventing inadvertent activation during high-load operations while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller body structure acts as an intermediary between the pilot's input and the finger switch. The offset positioning of the second body portion creates a mechanical decoupling where the primary control forces are transmitted through the body structure without directly actuating the switch, thereby preventing accidental activation while preserving intentional control inputs.
2Ease of operation
If the finger switch is positioned on the traditional sidestick location, then the switch is easily accessible, but it becomes susceptible to accidental actuation during high-load control inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is relocated to a different spatial dimension on the controller body - specifically to the second body portion that is offset from the main stick shaft. This repositioning maintains finger accessibility while removing the switch from the direct path of high-load forces applied during aggressive control inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller body is designed with differentiated zones: the first body portion handles primary control inputs, the offset second body portion houses the finger switch for lateral actuation, and the third body portion provides thumb access. This local specialization allows each zone to optimize for its specific function without interfering with others.
3Reliability
If the second body portion is offset axially and radially from the first body portion, then the finger switch is protected from inadvertent actuation, but the controller geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into distinct body portions (first, second, and third) with specific functional assignments. The second body portion is offset axially and radially to create spatial separation between control zones, preventing interference between primary control inputs and switch actuation while maintaining a modular, manufacturable structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes a first body portion, adapted to be grasped by a person's middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger, a second body portion adapted to be grasped by a person's index finger, and a third body portion that defines a first surface adapted to receive a person's thumb. A finger switch is positioned on a front surface of the second body portion. The finger switch is positioned such that it may be actuated by the person's index finger. The second body portion is disposed between the first body portion and the third body portion. The second body portion defines an offset with respect to the first body portion. The third body portion defines a second surface above the finger switch, which may receive the person's index finger.