| WOODWARD MPC, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120097800 | LINE REPLACEABLE, FLY-BY-WIRE CONTROL COLUMNS WITH PUSH-PULL INTERCONNECT RODS - A control input system is provided. The system includes a pair of control columns that are selectively interconnected such that manipulation of one of the control columns is translated to the other one of the control columns. The system includes a disconnect arrangement for each of the degrees of freedom (pitch and roll) of the system that operably disconnects the two control columns such that the two control columns can operate independently such as in the event of failure of one of the control columns. The system may also include a discontinuous force profile for a restoring force mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the pilots simulating resistance provided by control surfaces of the aircraft. The system may also include an autopilot lockout mechanism that increases the force profile experienced by the pilots when autopilot mode is entered. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120025031 | Active Control Column With Manually Activated Reversion to Passive Control Column - An active control column transitionable to a fully passive state for an aircraft and methods of use are provided. The control column includes a passive feedback arrangement, a stick and a ground lock mechanism is provided. The passive feedback arrangement is moveable relative to a mechanical ground to adjust a feedback profile provided to the stick. The stick is movable relative to the mechanical ground and the passive feedback arrangement. The ground lock mechanism has a locked state in which the passive feedback arrangement is maintained in a fixed position relative to the mechanical ground. This places the control column in a fully passive state. The ground lock mechanism also has a normal state in which the passive feedback arrangement is permitted to move relative to the mechanical ground such that active feedback can be provided to the stick. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025030 | Indirect Drive Active Control Column - An indirect drive active control column for an aircraft control system is provided. The indirect drive active control column provides both active and passive feedback to the control stick. The passive feedback relates to adjustments of the control stick relative to a feedback neutral position. The active feedback actively adjusts the position of the feedback neutral position to adjust a feedback profile of the passive feedback. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025029 | Position Control System for Cross Coupled Operation of Fly-By-Wire Control Columns - A aircraft control system is provided. that provides tactile feedback between control columns of the aircraft relating to discrepancies in the control inputs to the sticks of the respective control columns. In one implementation, the sticks each have an associated feedback assembly that is adjustable relative to mechanical ground to adjust the feedback profile applied to the corresponding stick. The position of each feedback assembly is adjusted based on a relative displacement between the other feedback assembly and its corresponding stick to provide active feedback relating to the control of the other control column. | 02-02-2012 |
