Active Linear Throttle Assembly With Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fly-by-wire aircraft throttle systems, particularly rotary throttles, lack natural control and effective haptic feedback, making it difficult for pilots to accurately manage engine control.
Innovation Solution
An active linear throttle assembly using a linear motor to provide haptic feedback, equipped with a detector to measure kinematic variables or force applied to the grip, allowing for improved control and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotary throttles are used in fly-by-wire systems, then haptic feedback can be provided through actuators, but the control feels unnatural to pilots and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rotary throttle design by using a linear motor to produce linear motion instead of rotary motion. This inversion allows the grip to move in a straight line, providing a more natural control feel to pilots while maintaining precise control accuracy through electronic actuation and haptic feedback mechanisms.
2Reliability
If linear throttles are used to provide natural control, then pilot accuracy is improved, but haptic feedback capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The linear motor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuator for moving the grip and the haptic feedback device. By controlling the current to the linear motor, the system can produce precise linear motion for accurate control while also generating tactile sensations for haptic feedback, eliminating the need for separate rotary actuators.
3Device complexity
If motor current is used to detect force applied to grip, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate force detector as an intermediary device that directly measures the force applied to the grip. This independent sensor provides accurate force measurements without relying on motor current data, enabling more precise control responses and haptic feedback while maintaining system simplicity through a dedicated measurement component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances pilot control over aircraft engines by providing accurate haptic feedback and additional data for backup modes, ensuring reliable operation even in jammed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor wherein the linear motor comprises a linearly extending track and a carriage... a controller configured to control a current or voltage provided by a power supply to at least one of the linearly extending track or the carriage in order to control movement of the carriage with respect to the linearly extending track
Data Source
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AI summary
An active throttle assembly is described. The active throttle assembly comprises a linear motor (120), the linear motor (120) comprising a linearly extending track (124) and a carriage (122). The active throttle assembly further comprises a grip (110), wherein the grip (110) is affixed to the carriage (122); a controller (140) configured to control a current or voltage provided by a power supply (570) to at least one of the linearly extending track (124) or the carriage (122) in order to control movement of the carriage (122) with respect to the linearly extending track (124); and a detector configured to measure at least one of a kinematic variable of the grip (110) or a force applied to the grip (110).