Woodward Mpc, Inc.

Matthew P DeCraene

Anton A Petrou

Matthew Kramer

Nathan Thompson

An electromechanical portion of the control stick includes a two-axis gimbal, with each axis including a mechanical gimbal structure supported by rolling element bearings, cam based centering mechanisms, linkages to connect a geared power-drive including a resolver commutated brushless DC motor and compound-planetary gearhead to provide active force feedback, and several electrically independent RVDT position sensors. The gearing architecture uses a fixed-cage, rotating internal gear arrangement on a planetary gearhead, which may be single or multi-stage. The output torque of the gearhead is provided by a feature on the outer housing of the rotating internal ring gear, allowing an axial placement of the entire power-drive in a more central location, reducing the moment load on the gearhead output cage bearings, and facilitating a compact drive arrangement of the gimbal using linkages. Additionally, a common power-drive can be used for both the roll and pitch axes.

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Lisle, IL, United States of America

Matthew P DeCraene