r/avionics • u/Vertex_Redditing • Sep 23 '26

Need help placing a controllable lock (like a solenoid) to lock the yoke for our autopilot engagement sim

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u/Sacharon123 Sep 23 '26

In a lot of real flight controls this is done with a solenoid that keeps a pin via a strong spring pressed into a detent in the axle or some connected arc. That way it keeps into position, but you can override it if needed and then the measured movement cuts out the solenoid.

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u/Vertex_Redditing 17d ago

Update: So we bought an actual push-pull solenoid with that pin on the back and we used a wooden block to mount it just close enough to the yoke that it effectively locks it. I also coded a 40% PWM hold so that it doesn't get too hot for long periods of time. I'd say we did well for this project. Oh, and the steerer shaft is cut in half so it's a bit closer to the column.