WO2020046436A1 - Système de commande de pas collectif d'un giravion - Google Patents

Système de commande de pas collectif d'un giravion Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020046436A1
WO2020046436A1 PCT/US2019/035227 US2019035227W WO2020046436A1 WO 2020046436 A1 WO2020046436 A1 WO 2020046436A1 US 2019035227 W US2019035227 W US 2019035227W WO 2020046436 A1 WO2020046436 A1 WO 2020046436A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control system
main body
human hand
thumb
control
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2019/035227
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English (en)
Inventor
Charles CULP
Greg KEMNER
Bob HALE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Essex Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Essex Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US16/203,989 external-priority patent/US10591948B1/en
Priority claimed from US29/674,985 external-priority patent/USD897929S1/en
Application filed by Essex Industries Inc filed Critical Essex Industries Inc
Priority to EP19853308.5A priority Critical patent/EP3844062A4/fr
Priority to JP2021509979A priority patent/JP7361099B2/ja
Priority to KR1020217006676A priority patent/KR20210039455A/ko
Publication of WO2020046436A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020046436A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Priority to JP2023171114A priority patent/JP2023182714A/ja
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/04—Controlling members for hand actuation by pivoting movement, e.g. levers
    • G05G1/06—Details of their grip parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C27/00—Rotorcraft; Rotors peculiar thereto
    • B64C27/54—Mechanisms for controlling blade adjustment or movement relative to rotor head, e.g. lag-lead movement
    • B64C27/56—Mechanisms for controlling blade adjustment or movement relative to rotor head, e.g. lag-lead movement characterised by the control initiating means, e.g. manually actuated
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04774—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks with additional switches or sensors on the handle

Definitions

  • This disclosure is related to the field of control devices, and more specifically to a control system which can be placed on the end of the collective pitch control of a rotorcraft.
  • Another issue is that the movement of an aircraft often requires multiple interactions at once because a change to one action causes a need to counteract part of the motion with another.
  • a rotorcraft is effectively a flying wing with a cabin along for the ride.
  • a rotorcraft pilot is adjusting how the wing is moving through the air through the various controls in order to direct the wing, and thus the rotorcraft, where s/he wants it to go.
  • This motion is as opposed to a fixed wing aircraft where the wing is“fixed” to the cabin and control is more directed to how the air is moving over the wing.
  • the primary engine moves the wing while in a fixed wing aircraft the primary engine moves the air.
  • Rotorcraft essentially have three controls, the cyclic stick, the collective lever, and the anti-torque pedals. What the controls do is relatively straightforward even if putting them into practice is very complicated.
  • the collective lever is effectively a large lever which can be pulled up and down and which controls the pitch of the rotor blades“collectively.” As the rotors are effectively one big wing moving through the air, this effectively controls the vertical movement of the rotorcraft. Increasing the pitch causes the rotors to push more air and move the rotorcraft upward while decreasing it causes them to cut through the air as opposed to direct it downward.
  • the force of the air being pushed downward needs to be greater than the mass of the rotorcraft to move it upward. If it is less, the mass of the rotorcraft under gravity will pull the rotorcraft toward the earth.
  • the cyclic basically serves to tilt the rotor“wing” in the direction one wants the rotorcraft to move. In reality, it does not really tilt the entire system, it instead tilts the individual rotors“cyclically” so that they are at a different pitch at different parts of the rotation, but each rotor at the same location is at the same pitch. This change serves to cause the wing to move away from the position of higher pitch and toward the position of lower pitch.
  • the anti-torque pedals operate to keep the body of the rotorcraft from rotating in the direction opposite the rotation of the rotors. They control the pitch of the rotors on the tail (in a traditional helicopter with a single main blade) to increase or decrease the force applied to the helicopter. This is used to counteract the force of rotation imparted on the rotorcraft from the rotating main rotors, but increasing or decreasing it can cause the rotorcraft to rotate in place in either direction.
  • auxiliary controls on the rotorcraft In addition to flying the rotorcraft, the pilot also needs to have access to auxiliary controls on the rotorcraft. This can include everything from lighting controls, to controls over payloads, to controls for displays, to the operation of weapon systems on military rotorcraft. Many of these controls are located on the panels in front of the pilot or above their head where they are readily accessible. However, because the pilot typically has one hand on each of the collective lever and cyclic, and the feet on the anti-torque pedals while airborne, a pilot typically has to take a hand off one of these control elements to operate any controls which are on a panel in front or overhead. Thus, these places are often the site of controls used when the rotorcraft is on the ground and there is no need for the pilot to be holding onto the collective lever and cyclic.
  • buttons and controls on the cyclic are often positioned on the control system facing upward from the top of the handgrip where they can be operated by the thumb, or to one side or the front of the handgrip (a so called“pistol grip”) where they can be manipulated by the fingers without removing the hand from the grip.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of the collective lever (1) and associated control system (3) and controls (4) thereon from a UH-1H/V Army rotorcraft illustrating how the controls (4) may be typically arranged.
  • the grip (5) is the throttle.
  • control system which is designed to be attached to a collective lever (1) in a rotorcraft which sits at or toward the end of the collective lever and serves as a grip as well as a support for controls.
  • the control system comprises a body with an extended horn portion which is generally contoured to provide for a place to rest the palm and grip the collective lever at the end in the form of an open spherical grip as opposed to the more traditional cylindrical grip used to grasp the throttle (5) and/or collective lever (1).
  • the control system generally includes a plurality of controls, such as buttons, switches, touch sensors, and the like which can be manipulated by any or all of the four fingers of the hand and the thumb without need to substantially move the palm.
  • the collective lever (1) can also be moved without having to remove the hand from the control system or the fingers from the controls.
  • a control system for attachment to the collective lever of a rotorcraft comprising: a generally planar lower surface for attachment to an end of a collective lever; a main body having a generally convex form; a horn portion extending from a side of said main body; and a plurality of controls, wherein at least one control in said plurality is arranged on said main body and at least one control in said plurality is arranged on said horn portion; wherein, said control system is configured to be grasped in an open spherical grip by a human hand with the fingers of said human hand on said main body and the thumb of said human hand on said horn portion; and wherein said control system is configured for said human hand grasping said control system to move said collective lever without removing said fingers of said human hand from said main body and said thumb of said human hand from said horn portion.
  • a collective lever and control system of a rotorcraft comprising: a collective lever having two opposing ends; a control system attached to one of said two opposing ends of said collective lever, said control system comprising: a main body having a generally convex form; a horn portion extending from a side of said main body; and a plurality of controls, wherein at least one control in said plurality is arranged on said main body and at least one control in said plurality is arranged on said hom portion; wherein, said control system is configured to be grasped in an open spherical grip by a human hand with the fingers of said human hand on said main body and the thumb of said human hand on said hom portion; and wherein said human hand grasping said control system moves said collective lever without removing said fingers of said human hand from said main body and said thumb of said human hand from said hom portion.
  • the main body is generally squircle in cross section.
  • the main body is generally rectilinear in cross section.
  • the hom portion is generally mushroom- shaped including an extension portion and a distinct support portion.
  • the hom portion is an extension of said main body.
  • the hom portion overhangs said main body on at least one side.
  • control system when the human hand grasps said control system at least one of said fingers of said human hand is positioned on said control on said main body and said thumb of said human hand is positioned on said control on said hom portion.
  • the thumb of said human hand may be moved from said hom portion to operate an additional control on said main body.
  • a method of operating a collective lever and control system of a rotorcraft comprising: providing a collective lever having two opposing ends; providing a control system attached to one of said two opposing ends of said collective lever, said control system comprising: a main body having a generally convex form; a horn portion extending from a side of said main body; and a plurality of controls, wherein at least one control in said plurality is arranged on said main body and at least one control in said plurality is arranged on said horn portion; grasping said control system so that fingers are on said main body and a thumb on said horn portion; pulling said collective lever without removing said fingers from said main body; moving said thumb from said horn portion to said main body; and operating said plurality of controls with at least one of said fingers and said thumb without removing said fingers from said main body.
  • FIG. 1 provides a view of a collective control system positioned on a collective lever of the prior art, specifically the collective control system and collective lever from a US Army model UH-1H/V helicopter.
  • FIG. 2 provides a back and right perspective view of an embodiment of a control system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 provides a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 provides a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 provides a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 6 provides a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 7 provides a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 8 provides a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 9 provides a first right side view of the embodiment FIG. 2 with a human hand gripping the collective control system in an open spherical grip.
  • the thumb is positioned on a first control on the horn portion of the body.
  • FIG. 10 provides a second right side view of the embodiment FIG. 9.
  • the thumb is positioned on a second control on the horn portion of the body.
  • FIG. 11 provides a third right side view of the embodiment FIG. 9.
  • the thumb is positioned on a first control on the main portion of the body.
  • FIG. 12 provides a fourth right side view of the embodiment FIG. 9.
  • the thumb is positioned on a second control on the main portion of the body.
  • FIG. 13 provides a first front view of the embodiment FIG. 9.
  • the fingers are positioned on a first selection of controls which are on both the main portion and horn portion of the body.
  • FIG. 14 provides a second front view of the embodiment FIG. 9. In FIG. 14, the fingers are positioned on a second selection of controls which are on only the main portion of the body.
  • FIG. 15 provides a back and right perspective view of a second embodiment of a control system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 16 provides a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 17 provides a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 18 provides a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 19 provides a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 20 provides a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 21 provides a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 22 provides a front and left perspective view of a third embodiment of a control system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 provides a front and right perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 24 provides a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 25 provides a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 26 provides a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 27 provides a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 28 provides a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 29 provides a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 30 provides a front and left perspective view of a second embodiment of a control system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 31 provides a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 30.
  • FIG. 32 provides a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 30.
  • FIG. 33 provides a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 30.
  • FIG. 34 provides a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 30.
  • FIG. 35 provides a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 30.
  • FIG. 36 provides a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 30.
  • control systems discussed herein provide for generally new structures, systems, and methods for both providing controls on a collective lever (1) of a rotorcraft as well as a new methodology and structure for manipulating the collective pitch of the rotors.
  • the collective lever (1) has comprised a simple generally cylindrical shaft with a twist handle (5) (for controlling the throttle) arranged around a portion of a first end.
  • a pilot has traditionally grasped the twist handle (5) in what is often referred to as a cylindrical grip or power grip. This is placing the palm against the exterior of the twist handle (5) and wrapping the fingers around the handle (5) a first direction and the thumb around the handle (5) in the other. The thumb will generally touch the index finger and/or middle finger so that the shaft of the collective lever runs across the hand and through the circle formed by the thumb and index/middle finger.
  • the power or cylindrical grip is a very common grip used by humans in tool manipulation and is appropriate for operation of the collective lever (1) as it allows a user to have a very rigid and solid grasp of the twist handle (5) and, thus, the collective lever (1). It also allows the user to pull on the collective lever (1) utilizing their arm muscles (as opposed to those of their fingers). The fingers, instead, are simply used to connect the arm muscle to the collective lever (1), the wrapping position of the fingers supporting the collective lever (1) through the use of their internal bone structure with the strength of the fingers being used simply to keep their relative position.
  • buttons on the control system (3) located at the terminal end of the collective lever (1) are also generally positioned on a box or similar structure extending from the end of the collective lever (1) and the controls are also generally arranged on the top of the control system (3) to be readily accessible by the thumb as shown in, for example, FIG. 1.
  • the types of controls a pilot will be provided to manipulate will often depend on the type and use of the rotorcraft as well as the current cockpit technology in use. For example, an older or more simple rotorcraft may need more controls in the form of toggle switches, push buttons, or mechanical slides with distinct internal positions and
  • modem controls such as multi- position toggles, wheels or rotating spheres (e.g. a“mouse wheel”), or floating multi-positon plates (such as that used on an original IpodTM, for example).
  • modem rotorcraft controls can utilize touch pads, motion or thermal sensors, or light-based switches for example.
  • the present disclosure is not directed to the types of controls presented on the control system. It is instead directed to the structure of the control system and the positioning of such controls on its structure. For this reason, this disclosure will commonly refer to the items manipulated by the user on the control system simply as“controls” or“buttons” even though a“button” as indicated herein may actually refer to a sophisticated touchscreen with a large number of potential input positions. This use of this simplified terminology is done solely for clarity of explanation of the concepts of the control system and should in no way be taken as limiting of this disclosure. Thus, the fact that certain types of controls are depicted in certain positions in FIGS. 2-36 should, in no way, be taken to limit the types of controls which may be located at any particular position.
  • FIGS. 2-8 show a first embodiment of a control system (101) in accordance with the present disclosure while FIGS. 15-21 show a second embodiment of a control system (1101), F1GS. 22-29 a third embodiment of a control system (2101), and FIGS. 30-36 a fourth embodiment of a control system (4101).
  • the control system (101) of FIGS. 2-8 is designed to attach at the end of the collective lever (1) generally in front of the throttle grip (5), should a throttle grip (5) even be present.
  • the depicted control systems (101), (1101), (2101), or (3101) are generally attached in the loose form of a ball terminator on a shaft. That is, the main body (103) of the control system (101) will generally extend outward from the shaft of the collective lever (1) in all directions as shown in FIGS. 2-8.
  • control system (101) forms a bulbous end on the collective lever (1). This is also the case with control system (1101), control system (2101), and control system (3101) which attach in similar fashion to control system (101) to the collective lever (1).
  • the main body (103) of the control system (101) will typically have a generally planar lower surface (105) to which the end of the collective lever (1) is attached. This will typically be through the use of a mounting plate (151) and screws (153) although any method of generally rigid attachment may be used.
  • the planar lower surface (105) is typically arranged at an acute angle (201) (at the top) of generally about 45 degrees to the main axis of the collective lever (1) as best shown in FIG. 5 and 6.
  • the angle (201) need not be an acute angle at all and the planar lower surface (105) may be arranged at any angle between 0 and 180 degrees.
  • the generally planar lower surface (105) is arranged at generally a 90 degree angle which would render the generally planar lower surface (105) generally perpendicular to the axis of the collective lever (1).
  • the other control system embodiments (1101), (2101), and (3101) also will generally attach in a similar fashion via their associated generally planar lower surface (1105), (2105), and (3105) respectively.
  • the control systems (101), (1101), (2101), and (3101) generally comprise a main body (103), (1103), (2103), and (3103) which are of a generally three-dimensional bulbous form.
  • the upper surfaces ( 106), ( 1106), (2106), and (3106) will usually have a generally convex shape extending away from the planar lower surface (105), 1105), (2105), or (2105) respectively.
  • the closest traditional mathematical structure to the control system could be considered a hemisphere, but, as can be seen in the FIGS., in none of the four embodiments is the upper surface (106), (1106), (2106), or (3106) a typical smooth curve, but they all generally include multiple interacting arcs and curves to provide a bulbous shape.
  • the convex upper surfaces (106), (1106), (2106), and (3106) of the main bodies (103), (1 103), (2103), and (3103) are generally not a smooth arc across their entire surface, but comprise a series of multiple interacting arcs of a variety of contours and shapes.
  • the non-planar upper surfaces (106), (1106), (2106), and (3106) of the control systems (101), (1101), (2101), and (3101) are typically an arcuate or generally non-regularly undulating convex shape. As part of the undulation, it is, therefore, possible, that a portion of the upper surface (106), (1106), (2106), or (3106) would actually be concave. For example, the embodiment of FIGS. 22-29 has such a section (2501). However, as should be clear, the resultant structure of the upper surface (2106) is still generally convex.
  • the upper surface (106), (1106), (2106), and (3106) typically also are considered herein to include the“sides” of the main body (103), (1103), (2103), and (3103).
  • the other embodiments also will generally include sides as part of the upper surface (1106), (2106), and (3106) in similar fashion.
  • the sides (1111), (1 113), (1115), and (1117) freely flow into the top (1119) in the second embodiment.
  • the sides (21 11), (2113), (2115), and (2117) freely flow into the top (21 19) in the third embodiment.
  • the sides (31 11), (3113), (3115), and (3117) freely flow into the top (3119) in the fourth embodiment.
  • the convex second surface can have a variety of specific shapes
  • the shapes are generally designed to at least partially conform to the position of a human hand in a generally open spherical grip.
  • a spherical grip is the grip used to grasp a ball, as opposed to a cylinder, and instead of the joints of the fingers generally being aligned with each other and adjacent as in a cylindrical grip, the fingers are commonly spread out and while the specific bend of each finger may be similar or not, the major joints are generally not aligned but are positioned on a simple or even complex curve.
  • a spherical grip is often more akin to presenting the hand as a talon or claw type arrangement as opposed to a cylindrical grip where the hand essentially forms a tube.
  • the thumb is also not positioned to form a circle with the index/middle finger but is extended more to the side of the palm.
  • the spherical grip used is typically a more open spherical grip. That is, the fingers will typically be spread and not along a smooth curve. As is common in a spherical grip, the thumb is also not placed under the palm and touching one of the other fingers, but is designed to be positioned more to the side of the hand.
  • the control systems (101), (1101), (2101), and (3101) upper surfaces (106), (1106), (2106), and (3106) are therefore designed to present convex upper surfaces (106), (1106), (2106), and (3106) which are about as large as a standard human hand or slightly larger so the fingers generally cannot wrap around the convex upper surface (106), (1106), (2106), and (3106) to contact the planar lower surface (105), (1105), (2105), or (3105) respectively. It should be recognized, however, that simple variation in hand size between pilots will mean that any pilot interacting with the control system (101), (1101), (2101), or (3101) will likely have a slightly different resulting hand grip position than any other.
  • the first embodiment provides that the horizontal cross section of the main body (103) will typically have a loosely square or“squircle” (square with rounded comers) shape.
  • the main body (103) in the cross section of the embodiment of FIGS. 2-8 also includes an extended comer (121) as best seen in FIG. 8.
  • the second embodiment of FIGS. 15-21 has an essentially identical shape to main body (1103) as can be best seen in FIGS. 20-21.
  • the extended corner (121) and (1121) is present in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-8 and FIGS 15-21 to act as a support for the hom portion (301) or (1301) of the system (101) or (1101).
  • the hom portion (301) or (1301) comprises an extension portion (303) or (1303) and a larger support portion (305) of (1305) arranged at the top.
  • the hom portions (301) and (1301) are, thus, generally in the shape of bulbous mushrooms and can be considered generally mushroom-shaped or umbrella-shaped.
  • the“cap” of the mushroom or canopy of the umbrella is not of regular shape, however it may be in alternative embodiments.
  • the first embodiment of the hom portion (301) in horizontal cross section provides a support portion (305) or cap of the mushroom that is of loosely acute trapezoid or trapezium shape but this is by no means required.
  • the shape of the support portion (305), like the main body portion (103), is typically selected to provide for mounting positions for controls and therefore the nature of the control and how the fingers or thumb will interact with it will typically dictate the specific shape of the support portion (305).
  • the hom portion (1301) is of similar shape, but has a clear extension (1302) which is generally in the form of a cylinder extending therefrom.
  • the third embodiment does not utilize a separated horn portion having the loose “mushroom” shape of the first and second embodiments, instead the extension portion (3303) and support portion (2305) are more interconnected and of similar size so as to present a hom portion (2301) more free flowing from the main body (2103).
  • This provides a structure with the two portions (main body (2103) and hom portion (2301)) appearing more integral.
  • the third embodiment therefore, has a shape which is loosely more monolithic in appearance than the first and second embodiments as the hom portion (2301) appears more directly flowing from the main body (2103) than the hom portion (301) appears to be relative the main body (103).
  • the horizontal cross section of the main body (2103) will typically have a loosely rectangular or other quadrilateral shape and while it can have rounded corners, will commonly be less square than the main body (103) of the first embodiment and will lack the extended corner (121) as, in many respects, the whole side (2117) extends. It should be noted that, as can be best seen in FIG. 25, the main body (2103) need not extend fully at the base (2105) providing an overhang (2104) depending on exactly where the main body (2103) is indicated to end and the hom portion (2301) is considered to start. Due to the more flowing nature of the third embodiment, a specific line of demarcation between the main body (2103) and hom portion (2301) is effectively not possible.
  • the third embodiment is generally more saddle-shaped than the first or second embodiment including the depression (2501) which will generally assist with keeping the hand from sliding off the main body (2103) as the hand positioned on the third embodiment will often be tilted with the palm more the right and less directed downward than it was for the first or second embodiment.
  • hom portion (2301) does not include a clear extension portion (303) and support portion (305)
  • some of the controls (107) are still positioned in a manner on the hom portion (2301) which allows for thumb movement between different sets of controls (107) as contemplated later in this document.
  • some controls (107) are positioned lower on the side (117) while one exemplary control (107 A) is positioned higher in the depicted embodiment. This later control (107A) is effectively positioned on the“support portion” of the horn portion (2301) while such element is not really distinct ln this embodiment.
  • the fourth embodiment is essentially a variation on the third embodiment and shows an even more integrated horn portion (3301).
  • the horizontal cross section of the main body (3103) again has a loosely rectangular or other quadrilateral shape and while it can have rounded comers, will commonly be less square than the main body (103) of the first embodiment and will lack the extended comer (121).
  • the fourth embodiment does not include a clearly distinct elongated horn portion (2301) as the horn portion (3301) of the fourth embodiment is effectively formed by simply extending the structure around the side (3117) to give it a somewhat bulbous appearance.
  • the side (3117) is, thus, effectively a little larger than the side (3113) giving the main body (3103) an asymmetrical appearance from the front as can be seen best in FIG. 36.
  • This provides for a much more parallelepiped appearing shape from the front as opposed to the other three embodiments which provide for a more distinct horn portion (301), (1301), or (2301).
  • some of the controls (107B) are positioned higher on the side (31 17) and in a manner which allows for thumb movement between different sets of controls (107) as some are positioned lower on the side (3117).
  • At least one control (107B) is positioned higher relative the other controls (107) and is effectively positioned on the support portion (3305). Further, there is provided a blank area (3118) where the thumb can be rested without being in contact with any control (107).
  • the purpose is generally to provide for comfortable positioning of the hand on the main body (103), (1103), (2103), or (3103) and to provide for the fingers and/or thumb to have easy access to controls (107).
  • the controls (107) are universally labeled both within each embodiment and across the embodiments since, as discussed above, the controls (107) are essentially interchangeable as a matter of design choice.
  • control systems 101), (1101), (2101), and (3101)
  • the controls (107) are still primarily activated by the thumb, thus, the thumb is expected to move both on and off controls (107) and between different controls (107) while each finger will commonly only move on or off a single control (107).
  • FIGS. 2-3 there are positions for multiple controls (107) to be positioned on the convex upper surface (106) of the main body (103) of the first embodiment generally on the front (115) and right (1 17) sides. These positions will generally correspond to the appropriate positions of the finger (403), (405), (407) and (409) tips and thumb (401) respectively when the palm is placed on the top (1 19) of the convex upper surface (106) from the backside (1 11).
  • the extension portion (303) of the hom portion (301) is then generally placed at or near the web of skin (411) connecting the thumb (401) to the index finger (403).
  • the second embodiment of the control system (1101) would generally have a near identical positioning of controls (107).
  • the third and fourth embodiments of the control system (2101) and (3101) will generally utilize a similar positioning of controls (107) with a number of controls (107) located on the front surfaces (2115) and (31 15) for manipulation by the fingers and a selection of controls (107) located on the right side (2117) and (3117) for manipulation by the thumb.
  • the control systems (2101) and (3101) lack the distinct hom portion (117) and (11 17) of the first two embodiments, the hom portion (2117), and (3117) of these later embodiments are not as clearly within the web between the thumb and fingers. Instead, the horn portion (2117) and (3117) more provide a logical rest for the web portion of the hand. Further, on the horn portions (2117) and (31 17) of the later embodiments, many of the controls (107) are still generally accessible for use by the thumb.
  • FIGS. 9-14 show hand positions which can be used to grip the control system (101).
  • the first embodiment of control system (101) is used in these FIGS to illustrate exemplary hand positions across embodiments as the first and second embodiments are generally seen as a little more complicated to hold (with the third and fourth having a simpler grip arrangement).
  • FIGS. 9-14 As the collective lever is generally to the left of the pilot, the human hand depicted in FIGS. 9-14 is the left hand.
  • the control system (101) was to be used by the right hand, a mirror image design of FIGS. 2-8 could be used.
  • FIGS. 9-14 also illustrate how the thumb (401) and/or fingers (403), (405), (407), and (409) can be moved around to manipulate different controls (107) or place the fingers off of controls (107) without the generally spherical grip the hand (400) has on the control system (101) being released.
  • the ability to manipulate the controls allows for the pilot to manipulate the controls (107) with not just their thumb (401), but also their other fingers (403), (405), (407) and (409) without releasing their grip and, thus, the control system provides for much easier manipulation of controls (107) as well as the ability to provide for more controls (107) and more controls to be manipulated close together or simultaneously that control systems such as that shown in FIG. 1.
  • the horn (301) In addition to providing for the support portion (305) upon which to mount additional controls (107), the horn (301) also provides an additional benefit. Should the pilot be gripping the main body (103) of the control system (101) as shown in FIGS 9-14 but suddenly need to make a large change to the collective lever (1), the hom (301) provides an additional point to grasp. The pilot, instead of needing to remove their hand from the main body (103) and go around the main body (103) to grasp the collective lever (1) directly (although they can still do that) they can release the main body (103) and wrap their hand around the hom (301). As the support portion (305) is typically much smaller than the main body (103) this allows for the user to wrap their fingers under the support portion (305) and provide more of a cylindrical grip. It should be noted that the cylindrical grip of the hom portion (301) is also more with the finger facing forward of the pilot as opposed to toward the left as is the case when the cylinder lever (1) is gripped directly.
  • the qualifier“generally,” and similar qualifiers as used in the present case, would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate recognizable attempts to conform a device to the qualified term, which may nevertheless fall short of doing so. This is because terms such as“planar” are purely geometric constmcts and no real-world component is a true“plane” in the geometric sense. Variations from geometric and mathematical descriptions are unavoidable due to, among other things, manufacturing tolerances resulting in shape variations, defects and imperfections, non-uniform thermal expansion, and natural wear. Moreover, there exists for every object a level of magnification at which geometric and mathematical descriptors fail due to the nature of matter. One of ordinary skill would thus understand the term“generally” and relationships contemplated herein regardless of the inclusion of such qualifiers to include a range of variations from the literal geometric meaning of the term in view of these and other considerations.
  • any of the ranges, values, properties, or characteristics given for any single component of the present disclosure can be used interchangeably with any ranges, values, properties, or characteristics given for any of the other components of the disclosure, where compatible, to form an embodiment having defined values for each of the components, as given herein throughout.
  • ranges provided for a genus or a category can also be applied to species within the genus or members of the category unless otherwise noted.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de commande destiné à être fixé à un levier de pas dans un giravion comprenant un corps avec une partie de corne étendue qui est généralement profilée afin de laisser un espace destiné à reposer la paume et saisir le levier de pas sur l'extrémité sous la forme d'une poignée sphérique ouverte par opposition à la poignée cylindrique plus traditionnelle utilisée pour saisir directement la manette des gaz et/ou le levier de pas. Le système de commande comprend généralement une pluralité de commandes qui peuvent être manipulées par tous ou une partie des quatre doigts de la main et le pouce sans nécessité de bouger considérablement la paume. Le levier de pas peut également être bougé sans enlever la main du système de commande ou sans enlever les doigts ou le pouce des commandes.
PCT/US2019/035227 2018-08-30 2019-06-03 Système de commande de pas collectif d'un giravion Ceased WO2020046436A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19853308.5A EP3844062A4 (fr) 2018-08-30 2019-06-03 Système de commande de pas collectif d'un giravion
JP2021509979A JP7361099B2 (ja) 2018-08-30 2019-06-03 回転翼航空機のための集合制御システム
KR1020217006676A KR20210039455A (ko) 2018-08-30 2019-06-03 회전익기용 콜렉티브 제어 시스템
JP2023171114A JP2023182714A (ja) 2018-08-30 2023-10-02 回転翼航空機のための集合制御システム

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201862725019P 2018-08-30 2018-08-30
US62/725,019 2018-08-30
US16/203,989 US10591948B1 (en) 2018-08-30 2018-11-29 Collective control system for a rotorcraft
US16/203,989 2018-11-29
US29/674,985 USD897929S1 (en) 2018-11-29 2018-12-27 Controller for rotorcraft
US29/674,985 2018-12-27

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220195697A1 (en) * 2020-12-21 2022-06-23 Caterpillar Inc. Manual input device and method
CN117677916A (zh) * 2021-05-10 2024-03-08 列奥纳多股份公司 用于控制飞行单元的图形用户界面的光标的装置

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US4012014A (en) * 1975-09-11 1977-03-15 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Aircraft flight controller
US4738417A (en) * 1987-02-02 1988-04-19 Fmc Corporation Hand operated control
JPH0195500U (fr) * 1987-12-18 1989-06-23
US20140021303A1 (en) * 2012-07-17 2014-01-23 Mason Electric Co. Complex-dynamic air and ground vehicle control inceptor
US10035583B2 (en) * 2015-10-23 2018-07-31 The Boeing Company Rotorcraft controls and rotorcraft including such rotorcraft controls

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4012014A (en) * 1975-09-11 1977-03-15 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Aircraft flight controller
US4738417A (en) * 1987-02-02 1988-04-19 Fmc Corporation Hand operated control
JPH0195500U (fr) * 1987-12-18 1989-06-23
US20140021303A1 (en) * 2012-07-17 2014-01-23 Mason Electric Co. Complex-dynamic air and ground vehicle control inceptor
US10035583B2 (en) * 2015-10-23 2018-07-31 The Boeing Company Rotorcraft controls and rotorcraft including such rotorcraft controls

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220195697A1 (en) * 2020-12-21 2022-06-23 Caterpillar Inc. Manual input device and method
US11828043B2 (en) * 2020-12-21 2023-11-28 Caterpillar Inc. Manual input device and method
CN117677916A (zh) * 2021-05-10 2024-03-08 列奥纳多股份公司 用于控制飞行单元的图形用户界面的光标的装置

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