Abstract:
A device (1) for generating a return force for a control stick (2) that is movable from a neutral position along a travel path (3), the device comprising mechanical connection means (5) for connecting the stick (2) to resilient return means (4) for returning the stick (2) towards the neutral position, the device being characterized in that the mechanical connection means (5) and the resilient return means (4) are arranged to produce, over a first portion (3a) of the travel path, a first strength of return force (F) and, over a second portion (3b) of the travel path, a second strength of return force (F), and in that the mechanical connection means (5) include a transmission part (6) adapted firstly to be mechanically connected to said stick (2) in such a manner that any movement of said stick (2) along the second portion (3b) of the travel path corresponds to turning movement of the transmission part (6), and secondly to transmit the return force (F) to said stick (2) at least when the stick (2) is positioned in the second portion (3b) of the travel path.
Abstract:
A control input system is provided. The system includes a pair of control columns that are selectively interconnected such that manipulation of one of the control columns is translated to the other one of the control columns. The system includes a disconnect arrangement for each of the degrees of freedom (pitch and roll) of the system that operably disconnects the two control columns such that the two control columns can operate independently such as in the event of failure of one of the control columns. The system may also include a discontinuous force profile for a restoring force mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the pilots simulating resistance provided by control surfaces of the aircraft. The system may also include an autopilot lockout mechanism that increases the force profile experienced by the pilots when autopilot mode is entered.
Abstract:
A steerable multi-linked device may include a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first multi-linked mechanism and the second multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links, a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links and a reinforcing member. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link, and the reinforcing member may extend from a first end of a third one of the intermediate links toward a second end of the third one of the intermediate links.
Abstract:
An active user interface system includes a gimbal assembly that is configured as a dual-input/single-output differential mechanism. The differential mechanism implements a speed reduction from the inputs of the differential mechanism to the output of the differential mechanism. Speed reduction enables the maximum drive torque that is supplied to the user interface about one rotational axis to be greater than the maximum drive torque that is supplied to the user interface about another, perpendicular axis.
Abstract:
An operation input device includes: an operation body having a handle portion, tilting when a user tilts an operation axis line of the handle portion, and moving parallel to an operation axis line direction when the user depresses the handle portion; a tip end portion disposed at an end of the body, and pushed in a depressing direction along the operation axis line direction; an abutment portion having an abutment surface, wherein the tip end portion moves with abutting on the abutment surface during a tilting operation of the body, and abuts on the abutment surface and stands still during a depressing operation of the body; and an engaging portion disposed in the abutment portion. The engaging portion engages with a part of the body during the depressing operation of the body so that the engaging portion restricts a tilting motion of the body.
Abstract:
A joystick including a base portion, a grip portion extending from and pivotally attached to the base portion, and an offset control portion connected to the grip portion and offset from the grip portion such that the offset control portion moves with the grip portion relative to the base portion. A gap is provided between the offset control portion and the grip portion. The offset control portion includes an input device.
Abstract:
An origin restoration mechanism includes a base unit arranged in X-Y directions to cross the axis of an operating member body of an operating member, a link mechanism arranged on the upper surface of the base unit and a pair of urging devices for urging a rotary unit of the link mechanism. The link mechanism includes the rotary unit arranged around the axis of the operating member body and our movable members arranged equidistantly around the axis of the operating member body inside the rotary unit on the surface of the base unit and having rear ends coupled rotatably to the rotary unit. Via urging forces, the portions inside of the distal end of the four movable members come into contact with different portions, respectively, of the outer surface of the operating member body located at the original position C, to hold the operating member body.
Abstract:
This invention provides an improvement in a control stick (e.g., joystick, side-stick, etc.) (20) adapted to control the movement of an object (e.g., an airfoil surface). The improvement includes: a support (21); an intermediately-pivoted upper member (23) mounted on the support, the upper member having an upper portion (24), and lower portion (25); an intermediate member (26) having an upper portion pivotally connected to the upper member lower portion, and having a lower portion; and a lower member (29) having a lower portion pivotally mounted on the support, and having an upper portion; and wherein the intermediate member lower portion is movably mounted on the lower member such that pivotal movement of the upper member upper portion relative to the support will produce pivotal movement of the intermediate and lower members relative to the support; and a resilient member (31) arranged to bias the direction of relative movement between the intermediate and lower members. The various pivotal connections may be provided by gimbals such that the various members are mounted for compound pivotal movement about two mutually-perpendicular axes.
Abstract:
An armrest for use by a pilot whilst operating a side stick inceptor has on its underside a number of secondary controls which can be operated when the side stick is not being used, the armrest then acting as a handgrip enabling the pilot to operate the secondary controls with a steady hand.
Abstract:
A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly of the motor grader.