IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,770,055
Granted Patent B2
US 8,770,055 · App. 13/159,273 · Granted Jul 8, 2014

Multi-axis pivot assembly for control sticks and associated systems and methods

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,770,055
App. No.
13/159,273
Granted
Jul 8, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

Multi-axis pivot assemblies for control sticks and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A multi-axis pivot assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an input shaft, a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft, and a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages and pivoting joints. The first and second axis output shafts rotated about corresponding first and second fixed bearing sets to capture a first axis output and a second axis output. The series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output.

Claims (58)

1. A multi-axis control stick assembly, comprising:

an input shaft;

a first axis output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft, the first axis output shaft being rotatable about first fixed bearings as the input shaft moves with a component of motion along a first axis, wherein the rotation of the first axis output shaft is configured to capture a first axis output;

a second axis output shaft rotatable about second fixed bearings as the input shaft moves with a component of motion along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, wherein the first and second fixed bearings are in fixed axial positions relative to each other during movement of the input shaft and rotation of the first or second axis output shafts, and wherein the rotation of the second axis output shaft is configured to capture a second axis output; and

a series of linkages coupled to the first axis output shaft and the second axis output shaft via a plurality of pivoting joints, wherein the series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprises:

a first axis sensor coupled to the first axis output shaft, wherein the first axis sensor is configured to sense the first axis output; and

a second axis sensor coupled to the second axis output shaft, wherein the second axis sensor is configured to sense the second axis output.

3. A multi-axis control stick assembly, comprising:

an input shaft;

a first axis output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft, the first axis output shaft being rotatable about first fixed bearings as the input shaft moves with a component of motion along a first axis, wherein the rotation of the first axis output shaft is configured to capture a first axis output;

a second axis output shaft rotatable about second fixed bearings as the input shaft moves with a component of motion along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, wherein the rotation of the second axis output shaft is configured to capture a second axis output;

a series of linkages coupled to the first axis output shaft and the second axis output shaft via a plurality of pivoting joints, wherein the series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output; and

a stop ring having an opening, wherein the input shaft extends through the opening.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the pivoting joints include a plurality of bearings, and wherein the plurality of bearings are biased to reduce backlash.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein:

the first axis output shaft is configured to translate fore and aft movement of the input shaft into the first axis output; and

the second axis output shaft is configured to translate sideways movement of the input shaft into the second axis output.

6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the input shaft is a control stick configured to control aircraft pitch and aircraft roll.

7. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising an intermediate output member coupled between the first axis output shaft and the second axis output shaft, wherein the intermediate output member is fixed relative to the first and second fixed bearings and configured to transmit the second axis output to the second axis output shaft.

8. The control stick system of claim 1 wherein the second axis output shaft is configured to have no more than approximately 2° of backlash.

9. A multi-axis pivot system, comprising:

an input shaft;

a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft;

a first bearing set coupled to the first axis output shaft, wherein the first axis output shaft is configured to rotate about the first bearing set when the input shaft moves with motion having a component along a first axis;

a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages;

a second bearing set supporting the second axis output shaft, the first and second bearing sets being fixed in position relative to one another, wherein the second axis output shaft is configured to rotate about the second bearing set when the input shaft moves with motion having a component along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and wherein movement of the first axis output is independent of movement of the second axis output shaft; and

a plurality of pivoting joints coupling together the first axis output shaft, the second axis output shaft, and the series of linkages.

10. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a biaxially pivoting joint coupled between the first axis output shaft and the second axis output shaft, wherein the biaxially pivoting joint is configured to twist between the first axis output shaft and the second axis output shaft.

11. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a stop ring having at least one of a generally circular opening and a generally square opening, wherein the input shaft extends through the opening.

12. The system of claim 9 wherein the pivoting joints each comprise a shoulder screw rotatably coupled to a bearing set.

13. The system of claim 9 , wherein:

the first axis output shaft is configured to control aircraft pitch; and

the second axis output shaft is configured to control aircraft roll.

14. The system of claim 9 , wherein the first axis output shaft is a Y-axis output shaft, and the second axis output shaft is an X axis output shaft.

15. The system of claim 9 wherein:

the first bearing set comprises a first ball bearing coupled to a first end portion of the first axis output shaft and a second ball bearing coupled to a second end portion of the first axis output shaft, the first and second ball bearings having an inner portion proximate to the first axis output shaft and an outer portion spaced radially outward from the inner portion, the inner portions being biased toward one another, and the outer portions being biased away from one another; and

the second bearing set comprises a third ball bearing coupled to a first end portion of the second axis output shaft and a fourth ball bearing coupled to a second end portion of the second axis output shaft, the third and fourth ball bearings having an inner portion proximate to the second axis output shaft and an outer portion spaced radially outward from the inner portion, the inner portions being biased toward one another, and the outer portions being biased away from one another.

16. The system of claim 9 wherein:

the first axis output shaft is configured to receive a first axis input;

the second axis output shaft is configured to receive a second axis input; and

the input shaft is configured as an output shaft having an output that is a combination of the first axis input and the second axis input.

17. The system of claim 9 , further comprising:

a grip coupled to the input shaft;

a stop ring having an opening, wherein the input shaft extends through the opening;

a first interface member coupled to the first axis output shaft, the first interface member being configured to drive a first axis sensor;

a biaxially pivoting joint configured to twist between the first axis output shaft and the second axis output shaft; and

a second interface member coupled to the second axis output shaft, the second interface member being configured to drive a second axis sensor.

18. The system of claim 9 , further comprising an intermediate axis output member coupled between the first axis output shaft and the second axis output shaft via the plurality of linkages.

19. A multi-axis pivot system, comprising:

an input shaft;

a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft;

a first bearing set coupled to the first axis output shaft, wherein the first axis output shaft is rotatable about the first bearing set when the input shaft moves with motion having a component along a first axis;

a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages;

a second bearing set supporting the second axis output shaft, the first and second bearing sets being fixed in position relative to one another, wherein the second axis output shaft is rotatable about the second bearing set when the input shaft moves with motion having a component along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and wherein movement of the first axis output is independent of movement of the second axis output shaft; and

a plurality of pivoting joints coupling together the first axis output shaft, the second axis output shaft, and the series of linkages;

wherein the first bearing set has a first bearing coupled to a first end portion of the first axis output shaft and a second bearing coupled to a second end portion of the first axis output shaft, the first and second bearings having an inner portion proximate to the first axis output shaft and an outer portion spaced radially outward from the inner portion, the inner portions being biased toward one another, and the outer portions being biased away from one another; and

the second bearing set has a third bearing coupled to a first end portion of the second axis output shaft and a fourth bearing coupled to a second end portion of the second axis output shaft, the third and fourth bearings having an inner portion proximate to the second axis output shaft and an outer portion spaced radially outward from the inner portion, the inner portions being biased toward one another, and the outer portions being biased away from one another.

Assignments (10)
RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT RECORDED APRIL 3, 2019 AT REEL/FRAME 048788/0581 Recorded Jun 6, 2024
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE
To: TRANSDIGM INC.; TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED; AEROSONIC LLC; MOUNTAINTOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF NJ INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC.; AMSAFE, INC.; ARKWIN INDUSTRIES, INC.; AVIONIC INSTRUMENTS, INC.; AEROSONIC CORPORATION; AVTECHTYEE, INC.; BREEZE-EASTERN LLC; BRUCE AEROSPACE INC.; CEF INDUSTRIES, LLC; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; DATA DEVICE CORPORATION; DUKES AEROSPACE, INC.; PURE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.; HARCO LABORATORIES, INC.; HARCO LLC; HARCO TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION; CORRPRO COMPANIES, INC.; HARCO CORPORATION; HARTWELL CORPORATION; MARATHONNORCO AEROSPACE, INC.; PNEUDRAULICS, INC.; SCHNELLER LLC; SEMCO INSTRUMENTS, INC.; TACTAIR FLUID CONTROLS, INC.; TEAC AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; TELAIR INTERNATIONAL GMBH; TELAIR INTERNATIONAL AB; NORDISK AVIATION PRODUCTS AS; TURNTIME TECHNOLOGIES AB; AEROCONTROLEX GROUP, INC.; TRANSICOIL INC.; SOUTHCO, INC.; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC; YOUNG & FRANKLIN INC.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES CO.; ADVANCED INPUT DEVICES, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS COMPANY; JOSLYN SUNBANK COMPANY LLC; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; SOURIAU USA, INC.; NMC GROUP, INC.; TA AEROSPACE CO.; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; PALOMAR PRODUCTS, INC.; ROLLS-ROYCE PLC; MEMTRON TECHNOLOGIES CO.; CHELTON, INC. (N/K/A CHELTON AVIONICS, INC.); SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; APICAL INDUSTRIES, INC.; AERO-INSTRUMENTS CO., LLC; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA, INC.; HARCOSEMCO LLC; HARCO, LLC (N/K/A HARCOSEMCO LLC); PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; TELAIR US LLC; CALSPAN AERO SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, INC.; CALSPAN SYSTEMS, LLC; ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; ACME AEROSPACE, INC.; SCHNELLER, INC.; CEF INDUSTRIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 067640/0237 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE NATURE OF CONVEYANCE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 064961 FRAME: 0671. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK SECURITY INTEREST. Recorded Oct 5, 2023
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS PREDECESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT
To: GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, AS SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 065132/0644 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 20, 2023
From: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, AS PREDECESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT
To: GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, AS SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 064961/0671 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 19, 2023
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE
To: TA AEROSPACE CO.; TRANSDIGM, INC.; TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED; ACME AEROSPACE, INC.; ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROCONTROLEX GROUP, INC.; AEROSONIC CORPORATION; AIRBORNE HOLDINGS, INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF NJ INC.; AMSAFE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS INC.; AMSAFE, INC.; ARKWIN INDUSTRIES, INC.; AVIONIC INSTRUMENTS LLC; AVIONICS SPECIALTIES, INC.; AVTECH TYEE, INC.; BEAM'S INDUSTRIES; BREEZE EASTERN CORPORATION; BRUCE AEROSPACE, INC.; CEF INDUSTRIES, INC.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; DATA DEVICE CORPORATION; DUKES AEROSPACE, INC.; ELECTROMECH TECHNOLOGIES LLC; HARCO LABORATORIES, INC.; HARCO LLC; HARTWELL CORPORATION; MARATHONNORCO AEROSPACE, INC.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; PNEUDRAULICS, INC.; SCHNELLER LLC; SEMCO INSTRUMENTS, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC.; TACTAIR FLUID CONTROLS INC.; TEAC AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; TELAIR INTERNATIONAL LLC; TRANSCOIL LLC; WESTERN SKY INDUSTRIES, LLC; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC; YOUNG & FRANKLIN INC.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES CO.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS COMPANY; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; NMC GROUP INC.; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; PALOMAR PRODUCTS, INC.; CHELTON, INC. (N/K/A CHELTON AVIONICS, INC.); SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; APICAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 063363/0753 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 27, 2023
From: TRANSDIGM INC.; TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED; 17111 WATERVIEW PKWY LLC; ACME AEROSPACE, INC.; ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROCONTROLEX GROUP, INC.; AEROSONIC LLC; AIRBORNE ACQUISITION, INC.; AIRBORNE GLOBAL, INC.; AIRBORNE HOLDINGS, INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NA INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF CA INC.; AMSAFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC.; AMSAFE, INC.; ANGUS ELECTRONICS CO.; APICAL INDUSTRIES, INC.; ARKWIN INDUSTRIES, INC.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES CO.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES TNO CO.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; AUXITROL WESTON USA, INC.; AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; AVIONIC INSTRUMENTS LLC; AVIONICS SPECIALTIES, INC.; AVTECHTYEE, INC.; BETA TRANSFORMER TECHNOLOGY LLC; BREEZE-EASTERN LLC; BRIDPORT HOLDINGS, INC.; BRIDPORT-AIR CARRIER, INC.; BRUCE AEROSPACE INC.; CDA INTERCORP LLC; CEF INDUSTRIES, LLC; CENTURY HELICOPTERS, INC.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; CHELTON AVIONICS HOLDINGS, INC.; CHELTON AVIONICS, INC.; CHELTON DEFENSE PRODUCTS, INC.; CMC ELECTRONICS AURORA LLC; DART AEROSPACE USA, INC.; DART BUYER, INC.; DART HELICOPTER SERVICES, INC.; DART INTERMEDIATE, INC.; DART TOPCO, INC.; DATA DEVICE CORPORATION; DUKES AEROSPACE, INC.; ELECTROMECH TECHNOLOGIES LLC; ESTERLINE EUROPE COMPANY LLC; ESTERLINE INTERNATIONAL COMPANY; ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION; ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES SGIP LLC; HARCOSEMCO LLC; HARTWELL CORPORATION; HELI TECH, INC.; HYTEK FINISHES CO.; ILC HOLDINGS, INC.; JANCO CORPORATION; JOHNSON LIVERPOOL LLC; KIRKHILL INC.; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; LEACH HOLDING CORPORATION; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; LEACH MEXICO HOLDING LLC; LEACH TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.; MARATHONNORCO AEROSPACE, INC.; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; MCKECHNIE AEROSPACE DE, INC.; MCKECHNIE AEROSPACE HOLDINGS, INC.; MCKECHNIE AEROSPACE US LLC; NAT SEATTLE INC.; NMC GROUP, INC.; NORDISK AVIATION PRODUCTS LLC; NORTH HILLS SIGNAL PROCESSING CORP.; NORTH HILLS SIGNAL PROCESSING OVERSEAS LLC; NORWICH AERO PRODUCTS, INC.; OFFSHORE HELICOPTER SUPPORT SERVICES, INC.; PALOMAR PRODUCTS, INC.; PARAVION TECHNOLOGY, INC.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; PNEUDRAULICS, INC.; POWER DEVICE CORPORATION; SCHNELLER LLC; SEMCO INSTRUMENTS, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC.; SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.; SKANDIA, INC.; SKURKA AEROSPACE INC.; SYMETRICS INDUSTRIES, LLC; TA AEROSPACE CO.; TACTAIR FLUID CONTROLS, INC.; TDG ESL HOLDINGS INC.; TEAC AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; TELAIR US LLC; TEXAS ROTRONICS, INC.; TRANSICOIL LLC; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC; YOUNG & FRANKLIN INC.; AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF NJ INC.; BRIDPORT ERIE AVIATION, INC.; TRANSDIGM UK HOLDINGS PLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE
Reel/Frame 063012/0788 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 9, 2020
From: AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF NJ INC.; ACME AEROSPACE, INC.; ADAMS RITE AEROSPACE, INC.; AEROCONTROLEX GROUP, INC.; AEROSONIC CORPORATION/LLC; AIRBORNE HOLDINGS, INC.; AMSAFE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS INC.; AMSAFE, INC.; ARKWIN INDUSTRIES, INC.; AVIONIC INSTRUMENTS LLC; AVIONICS SPECIALTIES, INC.; AVTECHTYEE, INC.; BEAM’S INDUSTRIES; BREEZE-EASTERN CORPORATION; BRUCE AEROSPACE, INC.; CEF INDUSTRIES, INC.; CHAMPION AEROSPACE LLC; DATA DEVICE CORPORATION; DUKES AEROSPACE, INC.; ELECTROMECH TECHNOLOGIES LLC; HARCO LABORATORIES, INCORPORATED; HARCO LLC; HARTWELL CORPORATION; MARATHONNORCO AEROSPACE, INC.; PEXCO AEROSPACE, INC.; PNEUDRAULICS, INC.; SCHNELLER LLC; SEMCO INSTRUMENTS, INC.; SHIELD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, INC.; TACTAIR FLUID CONTROLS, INC.; TEAC AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; TELAIR INTERNATIONAL LLC; TRANSDIGM, INC.; TRANSCOIL LLC; WESTERN SKY INDUSTRIES, LLC; WHIPPANY ACTUATION SYSTEMS, LLC; YOUNG & FRANKLIN INC.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES CO.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS COMPANY; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; NMC GROUP, INC.; TA AEROSPACE CO.; MASON ELECTRIC COMPANY; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; PALOMAR PRODUCTS, INC.
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE AND NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 052352/0704 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 3, 2019
From: SOURIAU USA, INC.; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; TA AEROSPACE CO.; ADVANCED INPUT DEVICES, INC.; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; NMC GROUP, INC.; PALOMAR PRODUCTS, INC.; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; MEMTRON TECHNOLOGIES CO.; JOSLYN SUNBANK COMPANY, LLC; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES CO.
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
Reel/Frame 048788/0581 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 3, 2019
From: SOURIAU USA, INC.; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; TA AEROSPACE CO.; ADVANCED INPUT DEVICES, INC.; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; NMC GROUP, INC.; PALOMAR PRODUCTS, INC.; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; MEMTRON TECHNOLOGIES CO.; JOSLYN SUNBANK COMPANY, LLC; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; ARMTEC COUNTERMEASURES CO.
To: CREDIT SUISSE AG
Reel/Frame 048788/0719 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 15, 2019
From: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: ADVANCED INPUT DEVICES, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; KIRKHILL-TA CO.; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; NMC GROUP,INC.; PACIFIC AEROSPACE & ELECTRONICS, INC.
Reel/Frame 048609/0901 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 15, 2015
From: ADVANCED INPUT DEVICES, INC.; ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO.; KIRKHILL-TA CO.; KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.; LEACH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; MASON ELECTRIC CO.; NMC GROUP, INC.; PACIFIC AEROSPACE & ELECTRONICS, INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 035676/0001 →