Patent Grant
12123480
The field of the invention is rudder pedal and brake inceptor devices.
The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Rudder pedal devices are typically integrated into the floor of an aircraft's cockpit. Often, these devices are complex and include a large number of components (i.e., articulations, connecting rods, pivots, etc.), which increase the overall weight and maintenance requirements of the devices.
Rudder pedal devices typically require substantial space due to the motion requirement for relatively straight horizontal rudder pedal inputs. A standard solution can have pedal arm lengths greater than 650 mm and corresponding large structural support below the cockpit floor. While linear bearings could be used to reduce the overall size, such bearings are generally disfavored because of their potential for jams and other issues which could prevent proper control of an aircraft. The large size of the rudder pedal unit adds to the cost and weight of the unit.
It is known that utilizing more curvature in the pedal motion, rather than straight-line motion, can reduce the pedal arm lengths and overall size of the unit. However, as the mechanism is reduced in size, the pedal can exhibit excessive vertical motion versus the desired forward and aft motion.
All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
Thus, there is still a need for rudder pedal units or devices that are more compact while allowing for linear motion of the pedals.
The inventive subject matter provides rudder control mechanisms, systems, and devices for controlling the rudder of an aircraft by taking an input from a pilot and translating that into movement of the rudder. Contemplated rudder pedal and brake inceptors comprise a frame and two pedal motion mechanisms connected to a main shaft which constrains the pedal rudder motion to move in opposite directions. Preferably, the main shaft is constrained to rotate within the frame.
As used herein, and as commonly used, the longitudinal direction is defined by the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, which extends from a front of the aircraft to the aft or rear of the aircraft. A latitudinal direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and extends from a left side to a right side of the aircraft. A vertical direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the latitudinal direction and extends from a bottom to a top of the aircraft.
In some embodiments, a rudder input control device comprises a shaft that is coupled to a pair of pedals (i.e., a first pedal and a second pedal) via a first linkage and a second linkage. Each of the first and second linkages preferably comprises a multi-bar mechanism with one bar coincident with the frame and the pedal shaft constrained to the floating opposite bar such that the axis moves in a largely linear motion. A first component is configured to move longitudinally along an axis of the shaft in forward and aft directions based on a movement of the first or second pedal.
Specifically, the first component can be coupled to the first pedal via the first linkage, such that movement of the first pedal in a forward or aft direction causes movement of the first linkage, which in turn causes movement of the first component along the shaft. Similarly, the first component can also be coupled to the second pedal via the second linkage, such that movement of the second pedal in a forward or aft direction causes movement of the second linkage, which in turn causes movement of the first component along the shaft.
A sensor or mechanical device can be coupled to the first component or the shaft to convert movement of the first component or rotation of the shaft into an electric signal, which can be transmitted to a steering system, for example.
As a result of the interconnection of the pedals, when a force is applied to the first pedal to move the first pedal in the forward direction, the second pedal is moved a similar distance the aft direction. In a similar fashion, when a force is applied to the second pedal to move the second pedal in the forward direction, the first pedal is moved a similar distance in the aft direction.
In this manner, the pedals and first and second linkages allow for approximate straight-line motion which can be converted into rotational motion by the linkages. The inventive subject matter discussed herein eliminates the need for linear bearings by constraining pedal motion mechanically while providing a rotating shaft between the pedals to ensure the pedals move in an opposite direction from one another. The device can achieve forward and aft motion using rotary bearings with minimal vertical motion with using the device which can be placed within a smaller envelope, preferably at or above the floor. This reduces the occupied volume below the floor and potentially the high reaction loads which are generated by the traditional long moment arms for the same pilot input load.
In some embodiments, the shaft comprises a longitudinally splined interface and the first component comprises a shuttle constrained rotationally to the shaft. Controlled longitudinal displacement of the shuttle forward or aft on the shaft allows both pedals to move forward or aft in unison, respectively, for ergonomic pedal adjustment.
In other contemplated embodiments, a rudder input control device comprises a shaft that is coupled to a pair of pedals (i.e., a first pedal and a second pedal) via a first linkage and a second linkage. The shaft is configured to rotate about a first axis that based on movement of the first or second pedal.
Specifically, the shaft can be coupled to the first pedal via the first linkage, such that movement of the first pedal in a forward direction causes movement of the first linkage, which in turn causes the shaft to rotate about the first axis in a first direction. Similarly, the shaft can be coupled to the second pedal via the second linkage, such that movement of the second pedal in the forward direction causes movement of the second linkage, which in turn causes the shaft to rotate about the first axis in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
As a result of the interconnection of the pedals, when a force is applied to the first pedal to move the first pedal in the forward direction, the second pedal is moved a similar distance the aft direction. In a similar fashion, when a force is applied to the second pedal to move the second pedal in the forward direction, the first pedal is moved a similar distance in the aft direction.
The inventive subject matter discussed herein advantageously allows for linear straight-line motion of the pedals and linkages while permitting variations to the lengths of the links forming the linkages.
Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
The device 100 further comprises a first pedal 110 and a second pedal 112.
Preferably, the first component 104 is coupled to the first pedal 110 via a first linkage 106, such that movement of the first pedal 110 causes movement of the first linkage 106 and the first component 104. Similarly, the first component 104 is coupled to the second pedal 112 via a second linkage 108, such that movement of the second pedal 112 causes movement of the second linkage 108 and the first component 104.
In some embodiments, the shaft 102 comprises a longitudinally splined interface and the first component 104 comprises a shuttle constrained rotationally to the shaft. Controlled longitudinal displacement of the shuttle forward or aft on the shaft allows both pedals (110, 112) to move forward or aft in unison for ergonomic pedal adjustment via first and second linkages (106, 108).
As shown in the Figures, the common shaft 102 interconnects the first pedal 110 and the second pedal 112, such that forward movement of the first pedal 110 causes rotational movement of the first component 104 which causes movement of the second pedal 112 in the aft direction. In a similar manner, forward movement of the second pedal 112 causes rotational movement of the first component 104 which causes movement of the first pedal 110 in the aft direction.
The shaft 102 is disposed between the first linkage 106 and the second linkage 108. The first linkage 106 and the second linkage 108 are disposed between the first pedal 110 and the second pedal 112.
Preferably, each of the first linkage 106 and the second linkage 108 comprises a multi-bar linkage such as shown in
The first linkage 106 comprises a first link 120, a second link 122, a third link 124 which further comprises a crank 126. The first link 120 is rotatable at a first point 130 that is fixed in position, such as to a floor or other surface of the cockpit of the aircraft, for example. The third link 124 is rotatable at a fourth point 136 that is also fixed in position. The first link 120 is rotatably coupled to the second link 122 at a second point 132, and the second link 122 is rotatably coupled to the third link 124 at a third point 134. In this manner, movement of any of the first link 120, second link 122, or third link 124 results in movement of the other links. Similarly, movement of the first pedal 110 causes movement of the first link 120, second link 122, and third link 124, which changes a location of each of the second point 132 and the third point 134.
The third link 124 further comprises a fixed crank 126 which is rotatably coupled to the first component 104 at a second end 138. Thus, in the embodiment shown in
As shown in
The third link 144 further comprises a fixed crank 146 which is rotatably coupled to the first component 104 at a second end 158. Thus, in the embodiment shown in
As shown, forward movement of either the first pedal 110 or the second pedal 112 will cause the other of the pedals to move in an aft direction, by translating the linear forward movement of the pedal into rotation motion using the respective linkage and then back into linear movement of the other pedal.
It is contemplated that the device 100 can further comprise a pedal adjustment mechanism configured to allow forward or aft movement of the first pedal 110 and the second pedal 112. In this manner, a position of the pedals can be adjusted to accommodate different heights of pilots, for example. In some embodiments, the pedal adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustable yoke configured to allow adjustment of the forward and aft positions of the first pedal 110 and the second pedal 112. In other embodiments, the pedal adjustment mechanism can be accomplished using a leadscrew.
It is further contemplated that the device 100 may comprise a pedal adjustment mechanism configured to allow an angular adjustment of the first pedal 110 and the second pedal 112. In this manner, it is contemplated that the mechanism could permit the first pedal 110 and/or the second pedal 112 to be tilted or rotated about an axis of rotation to accommodate the feet of the pilot.
The device 200 further comprises a first pedal 210 and a second pedal 212.
Preferably, the first component 204 is coupled to the first pedal 210 via a first linkage 206, such that movement of the first pedal 210 causes movement of the first linkage 206 and the first component 204. Similarly, the first component 204 is coupled to the second pedal 212 via a second linkage 208, such that movement of the second pedal 212 causes movement of the second linkage 208 and the first component 204.
In some embodiments, the shaft 202 comprises a longitudinally splined interface and the first component 204 comprises a shuttle constrained rotationally to the shaft 202. Controlled longitudinal displacement of the shuttle forward or aft on the shaft 202 allows both pedals (210, 212) to move forward or aft in unison for ergonomic pedal adjustment via first and second linkages (206, 208).
The shaft 202 interconnects the first pedal 210 and the second pedal 212, such that forward movement of the first pedal 210 causes rotational movement of the first component 204 which causes movement of the second pedal 212 in the aft direction. In a similar manner, forward movement of the second pedal 212 causes rotational movement of the first component 204 which causes movement of the first pedal 210 in the aft direction.
The shaft 202 is disposed between the first linkage 206 and the second linkage 208. The first linkage 206 and the second linkage 208 are disposed between the first pedal 210 and the second pedal 212. As shown, device 200 comprises a housing 201 by which the various components of the device 200 can be mounted or supported. One or more support beams 203 can be supported by the housing 201. The first and second linkages 206, 208 are preferably slidably coupled to the one or more support beams 203 with a sliding carriage 260, which thereby provide support to the first and second linkages 206, 208 and first and second pedals 210, 212. The sliding carriage 260 comprises a fixed nut which is controllably displaced forward and aft by rotation of the leadscrew 261 which is constrained in the forward and aft direction to the housing 201. The first component 204 is constrained in the forward and aft direction to the sliding carriage 260 but is not constrained by the sliding carriage 260 in rotation along the axis of the shaft 202.
Preferably, each of the first linkage 206 and the second linkage 208 comprises a multi-bar linkage such as shown in
The first linkage 206 comprises a first link 220, a second link 222, a third link 224 which further comprises a crank 226. The first link 220 is rotatable at a first point 230 that is coupled to a support beam 203 by a sliding carriage 260. The third link 224 is rotatable at a fourth point 236 that is also coupled to the support beam 203 by a sliding carriage 260. The first link 220 is rotatably coupled to the second link 222 at a second point 232, and the second link 222 is rotatably coupled to the third link 224 at a third point 234. In this manner, movement of any of the first link 220, second link 222, or third link 224 results in movement of the other links. Similarly, movement of the first pedal 210 causes movement of the first link 220, second link 222, and third link 224, which changes a position of each of the second point 232 and the third point 234.
The third link 224 further comprises a fixed crank 226 which is coupled to the first component 204 at a second end 238. Thus, in the embodiment shown in
As shown in
As discussed above, the third link 244 further comprises a fixed crank 246 which is coupled to the first component 204 at a second end 258. Thus, in the embodiment shown in
As shown, forward movement of either the first pedal 210 or the second pedal 212 will cause the other of the pedals to move in an aft direction, by translating the linear forward movement of the pedal into rotation motion using the respective linkage and then back into linear movement of the other pedal.
It is contemplated that the device 200 can further comprise a pedal adjustment mechanism configured to allow forward or aft movement of the first pedal 210 and the second pedal 212. In this manner, a position of the pedals can be adjusted to accommodate different heights of pilots, for example. In some embodiments, the pedal adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustable yoke configured to allow adjustment of the forward and aft positions of the first pedal 210 and the second pedal 212.
It is further contemplated that the device 200 may comprise a pedal adjustment mechanism configured to allow an angular adjustment of the first pedal 210 and the second pedal 212. In this manner, it is contemplated that the mechanism could permit the first pedal 210 and/or the second pedal 212 to be tilted or rotated about an axis of rotation to accommodate the feet of the pilot.
The shaft 302 comprises a second shaft 305 attached thereto. A first component 304 can disposed on the second shaft 305 and configured to move perpendicular to the first axis 390 of the shaft 302 in forward and aft directions along the second shaft 305. By allowing movement of the first component 304 along the second shaft 305, this advantageously allows for adjustment of a position of the first and second pedals 310, 312 with respect to the shaft 302. In this manner, the device 300 can accommodate pilots having different heights, for example.
Preferably, the first component 304 is coupled to the first pedal 310 via a first linkage 306, such that movement of the first pedal 310 causes movement of the first linkage 306 and the first component 304. Similarly, the first component 304 is coupled to the second pedal 312 via a second linkage 308, such that movement of the second pedal 312 causes movement of the second linkage 308 and the first component 304.
The shaft 302 is configured to rotate about the first axis 390 and interconnects the first pedal 310 and the second pedal 312, such that forward movement of the first pedal 310 causes rotation of the shaft 302 about the first axis 390 (as shown in
The shaft 302 is disposed between the first linkage 306 and the second linkage 308. The first linkage 306 and the second linkage 308 are disposed between the first pedal 310 and the second pedal 312.
Preferably, each of the first linkage 306 and the second linkage 308 comprises a multi-bar linkage such as shown in
The first linkage 306 comprises a first link 320, a second link 322, a third link 324 and a fourth link 326. The first link 320 is rotatable at a first point 330 that is fixed in position, such as to a floor or other surface of the cockpit of the aircraft, for example. The third link 324 is rotatable at a fourth point 336 that is also fixed in position. The first link 320 is rotatably coupled to the second link 322 at a second point 332, and the second link 322 is rotatably coupled to the third link 324 at a third point 334. In this manner, movement of any of the first link 320, second link 322, or third link 324 results in movement of the other links. Similarly, movement of the first pedal 310 causes movement of the first link 320, second link 322, and third link 324, which changes a position of each of the second point 332 and the third point 334.
The first linkage 306 further comprises a fourth link 326 rotatably coupled at a first end to one of the links 320, 322, 324, and preferably the second link 322, and rotatably coupled to the first component 304 at a second end 338. Thus, in the embodiment shown in
As shown in
The fourth link 346 is rotatably coupled at a first end to one of the links 340, 342, 344, and preferably the second link 342 and is rotatably coupled to the first component 304 at a second end 358. Thus, in the embodiment shown in
As shown, forward movement of either the first pedal 310 or the second pedal 312 will cause the other of the pedals to move in an aft direction, by translating the linear forward movement of the pedal into rotation motion using the respective linkage and then back into linear movement of the other pedal.
As discussed above, the first component 304 can further comprise a pedal adjustment mechanism configured to allow forward or aft movement of the first pedal 310 and the second pedal 312. In this manner, a position of the pedals can be adjusted to accommodate different heights of pilots, for example. In some embodiments, the first component 304 comprises an adjustable yoke configured to allow adjustment of the forward and aft positions of the first pedal 310 and the second pedal 312, by permitting movement of the first component 304 along the shaft 305 in a forward or aft direction.
It is further contemplated that the device 300 may comprise a pedal adjustment mechanism configured to allow an angular adjustment of the first pedal 310 and the second pedal 312. In this manner, it is contemplated that the mechanism could permit the first pedal 310 and/or the second pedal 312 to be tilted or rotated about an axis of rotation to accommodate the feet of the pilot.
As an example, when the first pedal of device 400A is moved forward, linkage rod 402A of device 400A is caused to rotate by the first linkage (as described above). This rotation of the linkage rod 402A causes movement of the third linkage 460, which then causes linkage rod 402B of the device 400B to also rotate and by way of the first linkage, causes the first pedal of the device 400B to also move forward. The same holds true if another pedal is pressed forward. The third linkage 460 interconnects the two devices 400A, 400B, ensuring that movement of a pedal in one device similarly moves a pedal in the other device.
Similar to the device 200 shown in
Preferably, the first component 504 is coupled to the first pedal 510 via a first linkage 506, such that movement of the first pedal 510 causes movement of the first linkage 506 and the first component 504. Similarly, the first component 504 can be coupled to the second pedal via a second linkage, such as described above with respect to
In some embodiments, the shaft 502 comprises a longitudinally splined interface and the first component 504 comprises a shuttle constrained rotationally to the shaft 502. Controlled longitudinal displacement of the shuttle forward or aft on the shaft 502 allows both pedals (510, 512) to move forward or aft in unison for ergonomic pedal adjustment via first and second linkages (506, 508).
As discussed above, the shaft 502 interconnects the first pedal 510 and the second pedal, such that forward movement of the first pedal 510 causes rotational movement of the first component 504 which causes movement of the second pedal in the aft direction. In a similar manner, forward movement of the second pedal causes rotational movement of the first component 504 which causes movement of the first pedal 510 in the aft direction.
As shown, device 500 comprises a housing 501 by which the various components of the device 500 can be mounted or supported. One or more support beams 503 can be supported by the housing 501. The first linkage 506 is preferably slidably coupled to the one or more of the support beams 503 with a sliding carriage 560, which thereby provide support to the first linkage 506 and first pedal 510. The sliding carriage 560 comprises a fixed nut which is controllably displaced forward and aft by rotation of the leadscrew 561 which is constrained in the forward and aft direction to the housing 501. The first component 504 is constrained in the forward and aft direction to the sliding carriage 560 but is not constrained by the sliding carriage 560 in rotation along the axis of the shaft 502.
As shown in
The third link 524 further comprises a fixed crank 526 which is coupled to the first component 504 at a second end 538. In this manner, forward movement of the first pedal 510 causes movement of the first link 520, second link 522, third link 524 and crank 526, which causes rotational movement of the first component 504 at the axis of shaft 502.
Device 500 further comprises a pedal tilt mechanism defined by a fifth link 552 which is fixed to the pedal and a sixth link 554 which rotatably connects the fifth link 552 to another link in linkage 506. The pedal tilt mechanism is configured to control the pedal angle with respect to the pedal forward displacement. As shown in
In some embodiments, device 500 may further comprise a second pedal adjustment mechanism that is configured to allow forward or aft movement of the first pedal 510. In this manner, a position of the pedal can be adjusted to accommodate different heights of pilots, for example. In some embodiments, the pedal adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustable yoke configured to allow adjustment of the forward and aft positions of the pedals, such as described above.
Shaft 602 has a first axis extending along an axis of the shaft 602 in a forward/aft direction. A first component 604 is disposed on the shaft 602 and configured to be constrained rotationally to the shaft and controllably displaced longitudinally along the axis of the shaft 602 in forward and aft directions. It is contemplated that one end, and preferably both ends, of the shaft 602, are mounted to a structure and/or the aircraft with rotational joints.
With respect to the remaining numerals in
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value with a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20110108674 | Gardner | May 2011 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1873057 | May 2009 | EP |
| 2917102 | Sep 2016 | EP |
| Entry |
|---|
| European Patent Office, International Search Report and Written Opinion, Dec. 20, 2023. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20240102540 A1 | Mar 2024 | US |
