Method and apparatus for automatically controlling aircraft flight control trim systems
US8718839B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C13/22
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic trim system and method is disclosed for automatically trimming a flight control surface of an aircraft. A force sensor measures a force applied by a pilot to a flight control system actuator. The length of time that the force is applied by the pilot is then timed by a timer. A trim system to reduce the applied force is included on the flight control surfaces. A processor determines if trim is required if a predetermined amount of time is exceeded based on the force sensor measurement. The processor can set the trim system to the trim required therein. An airspeed sensor is used to verify that the aircraft has sufficient speed for flight. A force sensor can be utilized to measure the input force being applied by the pilot. If a pilot input force is applied to the controls and the aircraft is in a steady state, a timer can be activated. If the force sensor continues to sense a force after the timer times for a predetermined time, the trim can be adjusted in the appropriate direction until the force sensor measures no significant pilot input force.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.