Patent ID: 8165729
Filing Date: 2012-04-24
Classification: B64C,G01L,G05B

Abstract:
1. A method for estimating forces exerted on at least one aircraft control surface comprising the successive steps of: a) generating current aircraft flight data; b) determining, from the generated aircraft flight data, a value Bl based on current deflection data and geometrical characteristics of a lever arm actuator of the at least one aircraft control surface; c) calculating, by a processor, from the determined value Bl based on the current deflection data and the geometrical characteristics, at least one hinge moment, wherein the at least one hinge moment is selected from the following hinge moments; d) summing each hinge moment calculated in step c); and e) dividing the sum obtained in step d) by the value Bl determined in step b) to obtain an estimate of the forces exerted on said at least one aircraft control surface, wherein in step b), said value Bl is determined according to the following expression: δx is a value of the current deflection data of the at least one aircraft control surface; R represents distance between a hinge line and a point of attachment of a rod of the lever arm actuator to the at least one aircraft control surface; L represents distance between a point of attachment of the lever arm actuator to a structure of the aircraft and said hinge line; and BO represents an angle between segments defining the distances R and L, when the at least one aircraft control surface is not deflected.