Split Detent Helicopter Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft control systems, particularly in helicopters, face challenges in providing precise control over flight path angles and altitudes due to inadequate separation between detent positions, leading to unpredictable tactile cues and unintended changes in flight states, especially at low speeds and during small angle adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A split detent tactile cueing control system comprising an inceptor, position sensor, helicopter sensors, and a flight control computer generates distinct force feel profiles to maintain clear separation between flight path hold and altitude hold detents, using a detent spread augmentation feature to prevent overlap and enhance pilot control precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detent system is used for both flight path hold and altitude hold, then the control system is simpler, but the separation between detent positions becomes inadequate leading to unpredictable tactile cues
Solution Approach 1:
The single detent system is segmented into two separate detent systems: a flight path hold detent system and an altitude hold detent system. This segmentation allows each detent to be independently positioned and controlled, ensuring adequate separation between detent positions and eliminating unpredictable tactile cues while maintaining clear distinction between the two control modes.
2Area of stationary object
If detent positions are closely spaced to save space, then the control interface is more compact, but unintended repositioning occurs especially at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different detent characteristics locally to different flight conditions. At low speeds and during small angle adjustments, the detent system provides enhanced positional stability and larger effective separation to prevent unintended repositioning. At higher speeds, the system maintains adequate separation while allowing for more responsive control, thus adapting the detent quality to the specific operational context.
3Ease of operation
If the inceptor allows free movement for precise adjustments, then the pilot has better control flexibility, but unintended mode transitions occur between flight path hold and altitude hold
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary detent mechanism that mediates between the flight path hold and altitude hold modes. This intermediary detent structure provides distinct tactile feedback and mechanical boundaries that guide the pilot's input, allowing precise adjustments within each mode while preventing unintended transitions between modes through clear tactile differentiation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for a split detent tactile cueing control system comprising an inceptor (102), a position sensor, helicopter sensors (112), and a flight control computer (110). The inceptor (102) can be moved into different positions measured by a position sensor. The helicopter sensors (112) generate signals in response to detecting parameters about a helicopter during a flight. The flight control computer (110) is coupled to the inceptor (102) and the helicopter sensors (112). The flight control computer (110) is capable of generating actuation signals used to generate tactile cues to generate a flight path hold detent (118) and an altitude hold detent (122) within the plurality of positions using a force feel profile (124) and the parameters. An extension of a latch force from the flight path hold detent (118) to the altitude hold detent (122) is present during changes in helicopter direction. Series actuator compensation allows increased split detent separation with insignificant command overshoot.