Patent · US Expired

Joystick control accessory for computerized aircraft flight simulation program

US4820162A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
4References
12Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 23, 1987
Grant dateApr 11, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 23, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG05G2009/04774
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An accessory is provided for a computerized aircraft flight simulation program which employs a control stick assembly to simulate the forces on and movement of an aircraft control stick which a pilot would actually experience in flight. The accessory employs a joystick extension of at least fifteen inches in length and four springs which extend in orthogonal directions from the joystick extension over pulleys on upright mounting posts to anchoring locations near a mounting base to which the posts are attached. The springs are maintained in tension and are long enough to produce realistic sensations of resistance which a pilot actually experiences in operating the control stick of an aircraft. The springs are arranged in linearly aligned pairs with the springs in each pair working in opposition to each other. Tension on the springs in one pair can be adjusted to simulate elevator trim control in an aircraft. Tension on a spring in the other pair can be adjusted to simulate rudder trim control in an aircraft.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.