Variable-Friction Magnetic Clutch for Aircraft Haptic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TRIM actuators in aircraft provide constant haptic feedback, requiring specific architectures for each flight control and high-capacity electric motors with high electrical consumption, substantial mass, and complex control electronics, necessitating reconfiguration for modifying feedback.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft flight compensator control system with a variable-friction actuator and a motor, utilizing a variable-friction-torque magnetic clutch and reduction gear, allowing for variable haptic feedback and reduced power consumption and mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high-capacity electric motors are used to replace conventional TRIM actuators, then active and controlled haptic feedback is achieved, but electrical consumption and mass increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-capacity electric motors with a hybrid system combining a low-power motor and a magnetorheological brake. The magnetorheological brake uses magnetic field control of rheological fluid to provide friction-based haptic feedback, substituting pure electromagnetic actuation with a hybrid electromechanical-magnetic system that reduces power consumption and mass while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity can be dynamically adjusted via magnetic field strength. This allows continuous variation of friction torque without requiring high-power motors, achieving variable haptic feedback through parameter modulation rather than high-capacity actuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-capacity electric motors are used to replace conventional TRIM actuators, then active and controlled haptic feedback is achieved, but electrical consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-capacity electric motors with a hybrid system combining a low-power motor and a magnetorheological brake. The magnetorheological brake uses magnetic field control of rheological fluid to provide friction-based haptic feedback, substituting pure electromagnetic actuation with a hybrid electromechanical-magnetic system that reduces power consumption and mass while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity can be dynamically adjusted via magnetic field strength. This allows continuous variation of friction torque without requiring high-power motors, achieving variable haptic feedback through parameter modulation rather than high-capacity actuation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional spring TRIM actuators are used, then simple passive haptic feedback is provided, but the architecture must be specific to each flight control and reconfiguration is required for modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal actuator architecture that can serve multiple flight control functions. The magnetorheological brake with controllable friction torque can be applied to rolling, yaw, pitch, and other flight controls with a single design, eliminating the need for separate spring mechanisms for each control while allowing programmable customization of haptic feedback characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static spring-based haptic feedback into a dynamic, programmable system. The magnetorheological fluid's viscosity can be changed in real-time through magnetic field control, allowing the same physical actuator to provide different haptic characteristics (stiffness, damping, virtual stops) depending on flight conditions and pilot preferences, achieving adaptability without reconfiguration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnetorheological brakes with high rotation speed motors are used, then variable haptic feedback is achieved, but operating noise and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity parameter can be changed continuously by adjusting magnetic field strength. This non-contact magnetic control of the rheological fluid eliminates mechanical wear between moving parts and reduces operating noise, while still providing variable friction torque for customizable haptic feedback across different flight phases.
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
Enables variable haptic feedback adaptable to flight phases, reducing electrical consumption and mass, while providing control assistance and safety features like virtual stops and repositioning of flight controls.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetorheological fluid in contact with the disks and a magnetic field source acting upon the magnetorheological fluid to vary the friction torque between the disks
Data Source
AI summary
This aircraft flight compensator control system includes a motor and a variable-friction actuator coupled with the motor and with an output shaft.The variable-friction actuator includes a variable-friction-torque magnetic clutch connected to the output shaft.