ELECTRO-RHEOLOGICAL ELASTOMERIC, VARIABLE-STIFFNESS FLIGHT CONTROL DEVICE

摘要

According to one embodiment, a flight control device includes a grip, a stick associated with the grip, and a gimbal. The stick defines a first axis. The gimbal includes a first platform, a second platform, a first electro-rheological elastomeric bearing, and a second electro-rheological elastomeric bearing. The first platform is coupled to the stick and configured to rotate on a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The second platform is in mechanical communication with the first platform and configured to rotate on a third axis that is perpendicular to the second axis. The first electro-rheological elastomeric bearing defines the second axis, and the second electro-rheological elastomeric bearing defines the third axis. The first and second electro-rheological elastomeric bearing being configured to each have a variable stiffness.

主权项

1. A flight control device, comprising:
a grip; a stick associated with the grip, the stick defining a first axis; and a gimbal comprising:
a first platform coupled to the stick, the first platform configured to rotate on a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;a second platform in mechanical communication with the first platform, the second platform configured to rotate on a third axis that is perpendicular to the second axis;a first electro-rheological elastomeric bearing defining the second axis, the first electro-rheological elastomeric bearing being configured to have a variable stiffness; anda second electro-rheological elastomeric bearing defining the third axis, the second electro-rheological elastomeric bearing being configured to have a variable stiffness.