Aircraft simulator and simulated control system therefor

Method for simulating a movable control for a system in which force and movement parameters for the control can be varied in accordance with simulated operation of the system, the system having a movable control element and a lever apparatus including a lever having first and second ends, the method comprising the steps of:

• pivoting the lever at a fulcrum point adjustably positioned between the first and second ends of the lever,
• applying a centering force to the second end of the lever to resist pivoting of the lever from a neutral position, the centering force being a predetermined function of the displacement of the lever from a neutral position,
• coupling the first end of the lever to the control element for moving the first end of the lever to pivot the lever in response to movement of the control element;
• and
• positioning the fulcrum point of the lever to any one of a plurality of selectable locations between the first and second ends of the lever to change the fulcrum point of the lever and thereby the the mechanical advantage of the first end of the lever with respect to the second end of the lever such that the force required at the first end of the lever for a given displacement of the first end of the lever against the centering force at the second end of the lever can be varied, the positioning of the fulcrum point being in response to conditions to be simulated during operation of the system, whereby the force required to move the control element over a given distance can be varied to simulate the feel of operating the system.

Apparatus for simulating a movable control for a system in which force and movement parameters of the control can be varied in accordance with simulated operation of the system, comprising:

• a rotatably mounted control element;
• a lever apparatus including a lever having first and second ends, means for pivoting the lever at a point adjustably positioned between the first and second ends, and means coupled to the second end of the lever for resisting pivoting of the lever;
• means for coupling the first end of the lever to the control element for moving the first end of the lever to pivot the lever in response to rotation of the control element, the coupling means comprising a first wheel connected to the control element to rotate therewith, an endless element connected to the first end of the lever which extends about the first wheel and is driven by the first wheel, a second wheel spaced from the first wheel and fixed thereat, the endless element extending about the second wheel to enable the endless element to move in response to rotation of the first wheel;
• and
• means adapted to be coupled to a control means which is responsive to conditions to be simulated during operation of the system for positioning the pivot means to any one of a plurality of adjustable points between the first and second ends of the lever to change the fulcrum of the lever and thereby the force and distance relationship at the ends of the lever, whereby the force required to move the control element over a given distance can be varied to simulate the force of operating the system.

Apparatus for simulating a movable control for a system in which force and movement parameters of the control can be varied in accordance with simulated operation of the system, comprising:

• a movable control element;
• a lever apparatus including a lever having first and second ends, means for pivoting the lever at a point adjustably positioned between the first and second ends including a slide bearing slidably movable along the lever and a bracket pivotally connected to the slide bearing, and means coupled to the second end of the lever for resisting pivoting of the lever;
• means for coupling the first end of the lever to the control element for moving the first end of the lever to pivot the lever in response to movement of the control element;
• and
• means adapted to be coupled to a control means which is responsive to conditions to be simulated during operation of the system for positioning the bracket to any one of a plurlity of adjustable points between the first and second ends of the lever to change the fulcrum of the lever and thereby the force and distance relationship at the ends of the lever, whereby the force required to move the control element over a given distance can be varied to simulate the force of operating the system.