Magnetorheological haptic trim actuator

US9656746B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. · US

Inventors

• Geoffrey Latham · Dallas, US
• Carlos Alexander Fenny · Arlington, US
• Jean-Sebastien Plante · Sherbrooke, CA
• Brady Garrett Atkins · Euless, US
• Guifre Julio · Sherbrooke, CA
• Marc Denninger · Sherbrooke, CA
• Charles Eric Covington · Colleyville, US
• Paul M. Wilson · Cary, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 30, 2015
• Grant date: May 23, 2017
• Expiry date: May 21, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D43/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A magnetic circuit configured to deliver a magnetic field towards the MR fluid. The magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of the magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.