Aircraft Simulator Control Stick Reaction Force Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft piloting simulation devices are not compact enough for efficient miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A flight simulation control apparatus with an operating member that rotates about a first axis and includes a reaction force generator comprising a transferer, first and second arms, and a neutral position changer, which reduces the size by utilizing a tension spring deformed through rotational transfer to generate operating reaction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional piloting device with a cylinder and compression spring is used, then the device generates operating reaction forces effectively, but the overall size of the simulation control apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reaction force generation function and neutral position change function into a single integrated mechanism. The elastic structure serves dual purposes: generating operating reaction forces through deformation and enabling neutral position changes when the restrictor rotates. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate cylinders and compression springs, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining both functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic arms that rotate about different axes depending on the operational mode. When the restrictor rotates, the arms dynamically adjust their positions and rotation axes to accommodate both reaction force generation and neutral position changes. This dynamic adaptability allows the mechanism to perform multiple functions within a compact space, resolving the size-force contradiction.
2Reliability
If the reaction force generator includes separate components for force generation and neutral position adjustment, then the functions are well-defined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic structure and arms are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions. The same elastic structure generates operating reaction forces during normal operation and facilitates neutral position changes when the restrictor rotates. The arms serve both as force transmission elements and as components that enable positional adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable function definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functional requirements into two operational modes rather than two separate physical systems. By using a restrictor that can rotate to engage different functional states, the design divides the operation into segments: normal force generation mode and neutral position adjustment mode. This functional segmentation allows a single integrated structure to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
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 apparatus achieves a compact design by minimizing the space required for generating operating reaction forces, ensuring stable aircraft control and accurate neutral position detection.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction force generator including a tension spring that is deformed by rotation of the operating member and generates an operating reaction force of the operating member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A simulation control apparatus 100 includes a control stick 10 that rotates about an axis X1 in both directions, and a reaction force generator 20 including a tension spring 26 that is deformed by rotation of the control stick 10 and generates an operating reaction force of the control stick 10. The reaction force generator 20 includes a transferer 22 that is connected to the control stick 10 and rotates together with the control stick 10, a first arm 23 that rotates about an axis X2 and deforms the tension spring 26 when rotation of the control stick 10 in one direction is transferred to the first arm 23 through the transferer 22, and a second arm 24 that rotates about an axis X2 and deforms the tension spring 26 when rotation of the control stick 10 in another direction is transferred to the second arm 24 through the transferer 22.