Programmable, linear collective control system for a helicopter
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsMichael J. Ferranti, Ari M. Novis, Ronald A. Durno
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A helicopter programmable collective control system includes a motorized collective control stick 2 used in conjunction with a multi-axis control stick 30, with the multi-axis control stick 30 as the default collective controller. A collective control signal processor reads collective input the pilot is giving through one of the two control sticks 2, 30 and provides a motor drive signal 44 (which is dampened to prevent over control) to position the collective control stick 3. The collective control stick position is used to drive the rotor collective pitch actuators 16.
Claims11
A collective control system for determining the collective pitch of the rotor of a helicopter comprising:
- a motorized collective control stick;
- force means for providing a force signal indicative of the force applied to said collective control stick by the operator;
- position means for providing a position signal indicative of the position of said collective control stick;
- collective signal processing means responsive to said force signal for providing a motor drive signal to position said collective control stick where desired by the operator as manifested by said force signal;
- and
- controller means responsive to said position signal for controlling the rotor collective pitch.
A collective control system for determining the collective pitch of the rotor of a helicopter comprising:
- a multi-axis control stick for providing a first command signal indicative of desired collective pitch;
- a motor driven collective control stick for providing a second command signal indicative of desired collective pitch;
- position means for providing a position signal indicative of the position of said motor driven collective control stick;
- signal processing means for providing a motor drive signal responsive to either said first command signal or said second command signal to position said motor driven collective control stick;
- and
- controller means responsive to said position signal for controlling the rotor collective pitch.
A control for a helicopter, comprising:
- a collective control stick;
- means for providing a force signal indicative of the force applied to said collective stick by an operator;
- means responsive to said force signal for computing a motor drive signal;
- bearing means, connectably attached to one end of said collective stick, for providing a smooth sliding surface;
- rod means, which remains stationary with respect to the helicopter frame, for slideably engaging with said bearing means;
- a drive motor having an output shaft and responsive to said motor drive signal;
- a drive belt connectably attached to said bearing means for driving said bearing means along said rod means;
- and
- pulley means connectably attached to said output shaft and engaged with said drive belt whereby said drive motor drives said bearing means along said rod means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.