Active-inceptor tactile-cueing hands-off rate-limit

Abstract

The system contains the active inceptor having mobility in a first direction. A feedback mechanism is in communication with the active inceptor. The mechanism provides a variable level of force to the active inceptor in the first direction. A programmable device communicates with the feedback mechanism. The programmable device controls the level of force provided to the active inceptor from the feedback mechanism. The programmable device is capable of recognizing and distinguishing between regimes wherein the operator is physically engaging the inceptor ('hands-on' state) and when the operator is 'hands-off' the inceptor. The programmable device limits the maximum rate of displacement of an active inceptor to a specified safe and effective value regardless of changes in forces applied by the variable force feel feedback mechanism. The limit on rate of change of active inceptor position is varied based on the recognized “hands-on” or “hands-off” state and the type of tactile cue to satisfy otherwise conflicting requirements for failure robustness and effective tactile cueing during highly dynamic operations.