Active-inceptor tactile-cueing hands-off rate-limit

摘要

The system contains the active inceptor having mobility in a first direction. A feedback mechanism is in communication with the active inceptor. The mechanism provides a variable level of force to the active inceptor in the first direction. A programmable device communicates with the feedback mechanism. The programmable device controls the level of force provided to the active inceptor from the feedback mechanism. The programmable device is capable of recognizing and distinguishing between regimes wherein the operator is physically engaging the inceptor (“hands-on” state) and when the operator is “hands-off” the inceptor. The programmable device limits the maximum rate of displacement of an active inceptor to a specified safe and effective value regardless of changes in forces applied by the variable force feel feedback mechanism. The limit on rate of change of active inceptor position is varied based on the recognized “hands-on” or “hands-off” state and the type of tactile cue to satisfy otherwise conflicting requirements for failure robustness and effective tactile cueing during highly dynamic operations.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
an active inceptor configured to have mobility in at least a first direction; a feedback mechanism in communication with the active inceptor and in communication with a programmable device, wherein the programmable device controls:
a level of force provided to the active inceptor via the feedback mechanism; anda rate of change in the level of force (RoC) provided to the active inceptor via the feedback mechanism; a first sensor in communication with the active inceptor and with the programmable device, wherein the programmable device is configured to determine, based on the first sensor, a state of the active inceptor where the state of the active inceptor is one of a hands-on state or a hands-off state; wherein the programmable device is configured to provide a first RoC to the active inceptor via the feedback mechanism when the active inceptor is in the hands-on state; wherein the programmable device is configured to provide a second RoC to the active inceptor via the feedback mechanism when the active inceptor is in the hands-off state; and wherein the second RoC is less than the first RoC.