초록 ▼

A two axis controller for controlling a tanker aircraft in-flight refueling boom while maneuvering prior to engagement with the receiver aircraft and including a boom load alleviation system after engagement. Movement of the control stick is transmitted mechanically to a position transducer. The tra

A two axis controller for controlling a tanker aircraft in-flight refueling boom while maneuvering prior to engagement with the receiver aircraft and including a boom load alleviation system after engagement. Movement of the control stick is transmitted mechanically to a position transducer. The transducer provides a signal to an actuator to effect boom control. The transducer output is also transmitted to a servo motor which is mechanically connected to the control stick. During the free flight mode, when the operator is manually controlling the boom, the servo motor provides a resisting force to stick movement that varies as a function of the transducer signal. Following coupling of the two airplanes, which initiates the automatic load alleviation system, the same servo motor back drives the control stick in response to boom force and position signals to alleviate boom forces. Manual override of the automatic system is possible at any time.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for controlling a mechanical element in angular or translational position, comprising: a control stick; position transducer means driven by said control stick for generating a command signal that is a function of said control stick position; actuator means responsive to said command sig

An apparatus for controlling a mechanical element in angular or translational position, comprising: a control stick; position transducer means driven by said control stick for generating a command signal that is a function of said control stick position; actuator means responsive to said command signal for driving said mechanical element; servo motor means for receiving said command signal and applying an inverse force to said control stick proportional to said command signal; force transducer means for measuring force on said mechanical element and generating a force signal that varies as a function of said force, and; switching means for selectively adding said force signal to said command signal applied to said servo motor; whereby the force on said control stick varies inversely as a function of said stick position alone or stick position in conjunction with the force on said mechanical element depending on said switching means position.