Tactile Feedback Aircraft Control Grip for Pilot Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft pilots face challenges in maintaining safe aircraft attitude during landing due to the need to divert attention from external visuals to instrument readings, with audible stall warnings often being overlooked amidst noise and distractions, leading to potential loss of control accidents, especially in light aircraft lacking sophisticated stick shakers.
Innovation Solution
A tactile feedback aircraft control grip using electronic actuators within the grip to provide attitude information through multiple fingers and the thumb, offering haptic pulses for angle of attack, slip/skid, and roll, leveraging modern microprocessor technology to enhance pilot feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual attitude indicating instruments are used to monitor aircraft attitude, then the pilot can obtain accurate attitude information, but the pilot must divert attention from outside the aircraft to the instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual monitoring of attitude instruments with a tactile feedback system that uses actuators to apply forces and vibrations to the control grip, allowing the pilot to perceive attitude information through touch rather than sight
Solution Approach 2:
The control grip acts as an intermediary device that translates aircraft attitude data into tactile signals (forces and vibrations) transmitted to the pilot's hand, serving as a mediator between the flight instruments and the pilot's perception
2Loss of information
If audible stall warning is used to alert the pilot, then the pilot can be warned of approaching stall, but the warning is often not recognized due to engine noise, turbulence, headphones, and other distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic warning signals with tactile feedback through actuators that apply forces and vibrations to the control grip, eliminating the problem of auditory distractions and ensuring the pilot perceives the warning through touch
Solution Approach 2:
The control grip serves as an intermediary that translates stall warning signals into tactile feedback, mediating between the audio warning system and the pilot's perception through the tactile sense which is less susceptible to environmental distractions
3Reliability
If stick shaker or stick pusher is used to provide tactile feedback, then the pilot receives effective attitude feedback, but these devices are not seen on light aircraft because of the sophistication and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tactile feedback system into multiple independent actuators positioned at different locations on the control grip, each capable of providing specific tactile signals for different flight conditions, allowing for simplified individual components rather than a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The control grip with multiple actuators serves multiple functions: providing tactile feedback for stall warning, attitude indication, and coordination guidance, replacing multiple separate systems with a single multi-functional device that is more suitable for light aircraft
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 tactile feedback system effectively reduces the occurrence of loss of control (LOC) accidents by providing intuitive and reliable attitude information, improving pilot awareness without diverting attention from external visuals and reducing the reliance on less common audible warnings.
Implementation Method 1
electronic actuators within the grip to provide attitude information through multiple fingers and the thumb
Data Source
AI summary
A control grip for an aircraft control stick or yoke has within it electrically controlled actuators. Each actuator extends a thrust pin that corresponds with the fingertips of the pilot's hand that is holding the control grip. Additional thrust pins are positioned at the base of the thumb and base of the index finger. The actuators, upon receiving their electrical input, extend their thrust pin a small distance and press on the pilot's fingertips. This movement signals the pilot information that is currently conveyed to the pilot's eyes or ears through conventional instruments.Angle of attack for “best rate of climb” would be indicated to the pilot by an extension of the thrust pin that corresponds to the third finger.Angle of attack for “best angle of climb” would be indicated by the extension of the thrust pin that corresponds to the pilot's second finger.Angle of attack at which the wing reaches aerodynamic stall would be indicated by the button that corresponds to the index finger.Thrust pins positioned at the base of the index finger and thumb will be used to indicate slip/skid attitude.The thrust pins will be made to pulse as this is more effective for tactile feedback. Roll attitude can also be included in the thrust pins. Although the pin assignments listed are the primary functions, the thrust pins would not be limited to these functions. Additional actuators can be added to include other aircraft information.