1. Field of Technology
The present principles relate to radio controlled models. More particularly, they relate to models having multi-level modes of operation based on the skill of the user.
2. Description of the Related Art
Models that are capable of high degree of maneuverability on land or in the air, generally have a fixed size and shape which is specifically designed to aide in the model's ability to maneuver quickly.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that high speed operation of models having high degrees of maneuverability creates an entire new set of problems associated with the steering and maneuvering of the model. For example, during the high speed operation of a land vehicle, the slightest movement of the steering wheels will cause the model to react to such slight movement in an extreme manner. This same concept applies exponentially to flying models, where the control surfaces of the wings and any vertical stabilization are integral to the model's ability to fly, yet the slightest movement of any control surface will result in extreme reactions of the model's flight patterns. To the novice user, and even the intermediate user, such extreme reactions often result in crashing of the model.
An example of a high degree maneuverable model where these concepts are prevalent is the hydroplane. Model hydroplanes are designed to operate at high speeds on the water. At speed, the slightest movement of any of the control surfaces causes extreme changes in the model's behavior.
Newer generations of model hydroplanes add a flying attribute to the same by adding an air propulsion propellor and one or more sets of control surfaces. However, as mentioned above, when adding the flying attribute to the model hydroplane, the sensitivity in the movement of the control surfaces increases almost exponentially. The result is often multiple crashes of the model hydroplane, which can result in damage to the same, and frustration to the owner in their enjoyment.
Those of skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that it will be most difficult for beginners and new model owners to learn how to operate the same at high speeds and/or fly a model without crashing the same due to this inherent ultra-sensitivity to the movement of control surfaces.
The present principles provide a model that includes a training mode of operation that reduces the inherent instability of the same.
The present principles further provide a model that includes at least one training wing to aide in training a novice user how to operate the model.
In other implementations, the model includes multi-level modes of operation for beginner, intermediate and advanced users.
These and other aspects are achieved in accordance with the present principles where the radio controller model includes a body, and at least one training wing releasably connected to the body for increasing stability of the model and dampening responsiveness to user input controls. In one implementation, the body further includes at least one movable control surface, and a receiver module having at least one actuating device for controlling the movement of the at least one control surface to enable steering and maneuvering of the model.
According to other implementations the receiver module further includes at least one training mode of operation configured to modify a throw range of one or more of said at least one movable control surface. The training mode can also be configured to: i) modify a throw range of one or more of said at least one movable control surface; and/or ii) modify a speed at which said at least one control surface is moved in response to a user input. In a further implementation, the training mode is configured to modify a throttle setting for a motor used to drive the model.
According to a further implementation, the transmitter includes an operation mode switch for selecting the at least one training mode of operation. In other implementations, the receiver module is configured to detect a position of the operation mode switch when the model is powered on and respond in accordance with the switch's detected position.
In further implementations, a detection device is provided to detect the presence of the at least one training wing. The detection device provides the receiver module with a control signal to enter the training mode of operation when the at least one training wing is present.
According to one method for operating a radio controlled model having a movable control surface for controlling the movement of the model and enabling steering and/or maneuvering of the model is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one training wing releasably connectable to the model; identifying the activation of a training mode of operation; and modifying a throw range of one or more control surface in response to an activated training mode in order to increase model stability and dampening responsiveness to user input controls.
Other aspects and features of the present principles will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the present principles, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.
In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:
a is a perspective view of the receiver module with servos of the model according to an aspect of the present principles;
b is a perspective view of the transmitter module and receiver module with servos of the model according to an aspect of the present principles;
a is a flow diagram of the training mode of operation of the model hydroplane according to an aspect of the present principles;
b is a flow diagram of the training mode of operation of the model hydroplane according to an another aspect of the present principles;
c is a cross sectional view of a sponson of the model hydroplane according to an aspect of the present principles;
d is a block diagram of the training mode of operation according to another aspect of the present principles;
e is an enlarged view of a training wing connection/support according to another aspect of the present principles;
f is an enlarged view of a training wing connection/support according to an aspect of the present principles;
g is a cross sectional view of a sponson of the model hydroplane according to another aspect of the present principles;
The present principles are herein described with reference to a model hydroplane. Those of skill in the art however, will recognize that these principles are applicable to all models designed to operate in a highly maneuverable fashion, and that the following model hydroplane implementation described herein is for exemplary purposes only and does not limit the application of the present principles to the same.
In accordance with one preferred implementation of the present principles, the model hydroplane and the corresponding sub-assembly modular parts are made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) tooled parts. EPP is a very durable and shapable material that provides increased impact strength with respect to low weights.
As will be apparent in the description of the present principles, the model hydroplane 10 is modularly designed such that the various sub-assemblies can be easily assembled by the user. The present principles utilize a combination of the EPP modular parts and strong carbon fiber rods (e.g., front rod 26, and connection rods 15 of the deck 14, and connection rods 68, 69 of the wings 30) to attach the sub-assemblies together and/or to reinforce other modular parts such as the deck, so as to provide significant impact strength and rigidity. This modular design and assembly allows for quick consumer disassembly for easy replacement of damaged parts, if necessary. It also allows the for individual high strength monocoque sub-assembly modules (e.g., sponsons modules 12), to be easily assembled with the other components (e.g., deck 14 and vertical stablizers 34 or rudders 16), into a complete unit, yet still allows for the sub-assembly modules to be easily replaced by the consumer.
The individual parts of the model hydroplane 10 are further designed to inter digitate in order to increase the overall strength and integrity of the vehicle. Thus, the modular components are of an interlocking design that are supported and held together via a simple arrangement of high strength/light weight carbon fiber rods and tubes, with corresponding fittings. As shown in the exploded view in
Referring to
The connection rods 17a and 17b are an extension of the rotation axis of the lower elevons 18a and 18b. The rods 17a and 17b are received into corresponding receiving holes (not shown) in groove 67, and also pass through a hole 19 in the corresponding vertical stabilizer module 34, which portion is received by a slot in the upper surface of the sponson module 12. In this manner, the connection rods 17a and 17b secure the deck module 14 to the sponson modules 12, while at the same time, secures and retains the vertical stabilizer modules 34 in their vertical configuration with respect to the sponson modules 12.
In accordance with one implementation, the sponsons 12a and 12b each includes a wheel or rub strip 42a and 42b (not shown). The wheels or rub strips 42 are configured to reduce any frictional contact between the ground and the lower surface of the sponsons 12.
a shows the receiver (RX) module 50 according to an implementation of the present principles. The receiver module 50 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) contained in the housing 52. The PCB is the brains of the model and provides the various functions through both hardware and software implementations. In accordance with one implementation, receiver module 50 includes a selector switch 54 having a plurality of switches and/or indicator lights 56a, 56b, 56c. One switch 56a establishes power connection between the battery 5 and the receiver module 50 and thereby the servos 36a, 36b and 44. Another switch 56c can operate as a safety switch to prevent unintentional starting of the motor and the associated injury risk. An indicator light 56b can be used with the switches 56a and 56c to indicate, for example, when the power is on, and when it is safe to start the model. In other implementations, the switches 56a and 56c could also be used to manually set a training mode or other multi-level mode of operation, discussed below.
A frequency crystal 58 is provided and as is commonly known in the art, can be replaced with other frequency crystals depending on the desired operating frequency.
Receiver module 50 further includes elevon servos 36a and 36b and a rudder servo 44. The two elevon servos 36a and 36b each have a corresponding horn 37a and 37b that is connected to the respective rudder control rod 46a and 46b. Through the use of separate servos 36a and 36b, the left (18a and 20a) and right (18b and 20b) elevons can be independently controlled. The rudder servo 44 includes a T-shaped horn 45 that is connected to both rudder control rods 46a and 46b. By connecting the control rods 46a and 46b to the horn 45 as shown, rotational movement in one direction of the horn will cause the two vertical rudders 16a and 16b to move in unison to control the turning and stunt maneuvers of the model. The operation of the servos 36 and 44 will be described in further detail below as it relates to the multi-level modes of operations of the present principles.
b shows another implementation of the model according to the present principles. As shown, a transmitter (TX) 104 wirelessly communicates with the receiver module 50 via antenna 106. Transmitter 104 includes controls 110L and 110R, and a training mode switch 108. The training mode switch 108 can be a toggle switch or a two pole button that triggers a control signal sent to the receiver module 50. Upon receipt of such a control signal, the receiver module 50 controls the servos 36a, 36b and 44 and thereby modifies the throw ranges of the various control surfaces of the elevons and rudders. This training mode is described in further detail below with respect to the implementations shown in
By adding training wings 30, the stall speed of the model can be lowered, and the roll actions of the craft are significantly dampened, as compared to when it is operating in its smaller form without the training wings. When the operator becomes more experienced, the removal of the training wings will allow the more experienced pilot much higher maneuverability and roll rates, in addition to the ability to perform stunt maneuvers such as rapid vertical axial rolls, etc.
In order to add training wings 30, the wings include support/connection rods 68 and 69. These rods 68, 69 are received by correspondingly positioned holes 28, 29 in the sponson modules 12. According to one implementation, the support/connection rod 68 includes a first portion 70, a second portion 72, and a slot or groove 74 positioned between the first and second portions. The support/connection rods 68 and 69 are inserted simultaneously into the respective holes 28 and 29. In this implementation, the hole 28 is in communication with the wing lock receiving holes 62 such that once the support/connection rod 68 is full inserted into the hole 28, the wing lock clips 60 can be used to engage the slot 74 in the rod 68 and secure the same in a rigid manner to the sponsons. In the implementation shown, the connection rod 69 is shown as a straight rod that is not engaged by a locking clip or other locking mechanism. Those of skill in the art will recognize that an additional wing lock receiving hole and corresponding clip could be used on both support/connection rods, as deemed necessary for the desired application.
According to one implementation of the present principles, the insertion of the training wings 30 into the sponson modules 12 activates the “training mode” of operation.
In one preferred implementation, the model hydroplane has a multi-level mode of operation. The multi-level modes are primarily operation modes configured to assist a user in developing and honing their skill in operating the model to its fullest capability. In one example, the multi-level modes of operation can be: 1) Beginner; 2) Intermediate; and 3) Expert. These modes of operation can be manually activated by pressing a dedicated button (e.g. 56a, or 56c) depending on the desired mode. The pressing a manually operated button would cause the receiver module 50 (through servos 36 and 44) to first establish an initial trim position for the respective operation mode. This initial trim (i.e., neutral) position can be, for example an initial elevon position in a range of 1%-5%, and/or and initial rudder position in a range of 1%-5% based on the user level selected.
Once the initial trim position has been established, the receiver module 50 operates to control the servos 36 and 44 to modify the throw distance (i.e., range) of the control surfaces of the elevons 18, 20 and rudders 16 and proportionally lower throttle settings (i.e., rpm) accordingly. In addition to modifying the throw range of the control surfaces, receiver module 50 may also modify the speed at which the control surfaces move during operation.
By modifying the throw distances of the control surfaces of the elevons 18, 20 and vertical rudders 16, the sensitivity of the movement of the same is significantly reduced thereby eliminating the potential for an inexperienced user to accidentally move a control surface too far and cause the model to make extreme or erratic maneuvers that often result in loss of control and crashing. Thus, in a beginner mode, the throw range of the control surfaces can be modified for novice users by altering the usual throw range to be more or less in any one direction independent of the others, while in the intermediate mode, the throw range of the control surfaces could altered to be more or less in any one direction independent of the others as well, and in the expert mode, there would be no modifications on the throw range of the control surfaces or the speed at which the same operate. The modification of the throw ranges of the control surfaces of the elevons and rudders is performed through the receiver module's electronic control of the elevon and rudder servos 36a, 36b and 44, respectively.
In one implementation, the training mode can be established by the user from the radio controller 104. Referring to
As mentioned above, in one implementation, the use of the training wings 30 can automatically cause the model to be set for the “training” or beginner mode of operation. Referring to
c shows a cross sectional diagram showing a switch 76 positioned within the hole 28 for receiving the training wing connection/support rod 68. The switch 76 is in communication with the receiver module 50, either by hard wire and plug, a wireless connection or other electromechanical connection, such that when the switch 76 is actuated by the insertion of support/connection rod 68, the receiver module 50 is instructed to enter the “training mode” of operation. This is shown by way of example in the block diagram of
In accordance with yet another implementation of the present principles, there can be different types of training wings, such as, for example, a long set (like that shown) for beginners, and a shorter or clipped wing version for the intermediate users. Thus, the entering of automatic modes of operation by inserting the training wings will require additional identification of the “type” of training wing attached. Those of skill in the art will recognize that there are many different ways to approach the identification of the type of wing attached without departing from the spirit of the present principles. By way of example, the connection/support rod 68 may have a different length for the beginner mode compared to that of the intermediate mode.
e-8g show this concept.
The multi-level mode of operation 90 is now described with reference to
Thus, when beginner mode is entered, the ranges of specific control surfaces for beginner mode are set 94. For example, the initial trim is set, the control surface throw ranges are modified and the throttle settings are also modified. This initial trim (i.e., neutral) position can be, for example an initial elevon position in a range of 1%-5% elevon and/or 1%-5% rudder depending on the user level selected. Examples of throw ranges modifications can include, for example, 20%-40% increase or decrease in the throw range in any one direction. Similarly, for intermediate mode, the initial trim is set, the throw ranges of control surfaces are modified and any throttle restrictions are implemented 94. For example, in this intermediate mode, the throw ranges for the controller surfaces can be, for example, in a range of 40%-70% increase or decrease in the throw range in any one direction. In the expert mode of operation, there need not be any limitation on the throw ranges of the control surfaces, and as such, this mode can simply enable the corresponding servos to operate freely without restriction or limitation.
In accordance with another implementation of the present principles, the training mode and/or other multi-level modes of operation, the speed at which the control surfaces of the elevons and rudders are moved can have a drastic effect on the controllability of the model. As such, for example, in the training (beginner) mode or intermediate modes of operation, not only is it desireable to limit the throw ranges of the elevons and/or rudder control surfaces, but the speed as which they are moved while operating in those modes. As will be described below, the training mode can also include a throttle limit or constraint on the motor rpm.
In order to achieve a reduction in the speed at which the control surfaces are moved by the respective servos 36a, 36b and 44, a pulsed control is implemented. By pulsing the control signals to the servos, the speed of movement of the control surfaces connected to the respective servos is reduced, and thus the potential for erratic behavior of the model is significantly reduced.
As briefly described above, and in normal operation, the receiver module 50 receives wireless commands from a radio controller 104 (
In other contemplated implementations, the delay 102 is applied to the motor speed controller 112 to effect the throttle reductions or modifications required for the training and/or intermediate modes of operation.
In an alternative implementation, the delay provided by circuit 102 can be provided through software programming of a processor contained within receiver module 50 and/or PCB 52. In this software solution, the receiver module 50 would provide the pulsed or delayed control signals under instruction of a processor or other computing device.
It is to be further understood that, because some of the constituent system components and method steps depicted in the accompanying Figures are preferably implemented in software, the actual connections between the system components (or the process steps) may differ depending upon the manner in which the present principles is programmed. Given the teachings herein, one of ordinary skill in the related art will be able to contemplate these and similar implementations or configurations of the present principles.
While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present principles, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the same. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or implementation of the present principles may be incorporated in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or implementation as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/739,125 filed on Nov. 23, 2005.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60739125 | Nov 2005 | US |