Active Throttle Assembly With Rotary-to-Linear Haptic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary throttles in aircraft provide unnatural movement, making it difficult for pilots to accurately control the engine, while linear throttles are more natural and familiar but lack effective haptic feedback mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An active throttle assembly combining a rotary actuator with a linearly moving throttle grip, utilizing a connector to translate rotational motion into linear motion, and incorporating sensors to measure kinematic variables and force for precise control and haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a rotary actuator is used to control the throttle, then power output per unit size is improved, but the movement feels unnatural to the pilot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output per unit sizeVSAvoidnatural movement feel

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A connector mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rotary actuator and the linear throttle grip. This connector includes a rotatable portion connected to the rotary actuator and a linearly moveable portion connected to the throttle grip, with coupling means that translate rotational motion into linear motion. This allows the rotary actuator to drive the linear grip naturally, resolving the contradiction between using a compact rotary actuator and providing natural linear movement feedback to the pilot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a linear throttle is used to provide natural movement, then ease of operation is improved, but effective haptic feedback mechanisms are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural movement feelVSAvoidhaptic feedback capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic feedback mechanisms with an active control system using a rotary actuator and control electronics. The actuator is controlled based on sensed position of the throttle grip and actual aircraft conditions to provide haptic feedback. This substitution allows for more reliable and controllable haptic feedback while maintaining the natural linear movement of the throttle grip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors to detect the position of the linear throttle grip and provides feedback to the control system. The control system then adjusts the rotary actuator to provide appropriate haptic feedback to the pilot. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable haptic feedback while maintaining natural linear movement characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If rotary motion is directly transmitted to the throttle grip, then device complexity is reduced, but the pilot loses accurate control over the aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection simplicityVSAvoidcontrol accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector mechanism serves as an intermediary that precisely translates rotary actuator motion into linear grip motion. The coupling means within the connector are designed to maintain accurate positional correspondence between the rotary input and linear output, ensuring that the pilot retains accurate control over the aircraft despite the intermediate conversion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution provides a natural and comfortable control experience for pilots by using linear motion, while leveraging rotary actuators for power efficiency and integrating sensors for accurate engine control and enhanced haptic feedback.

Implementation Method 1

rotational movement of the rotary actuator is coupled to rotational movement of the rotatable portion, and rotation of the rotatable portion is coupled to linear movement of the linearly moveable portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical motion transformation:

Implementation Method 2

The timing belt may be configured so as the timing belt is backlash free but not introduce too much tension into the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4644235A1Active throttle assembly

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BAE SYSTEMS PLC

Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b

AI summary

An active throttle assembly comprising a grip (202) which is moveable linearly and a mount (204) to which the grip is attached. The mount and the grip are moveable together. The active throttle assembly also includes a rotary actuator (214) and a connector arranged to connect the rotary actuator to the mount, the connector comprising a rotatable portion (212) connected to the rotary actuator, wherein rotational movement of the rotary actuator is coupled to rotational movement of the rotatable portion, and a linearly moveable portion (210) connected to the rotatable portion, wherein rotation of the rotatable portion is coupled to linear movement of the linearly moveable portion. The mount is attached to the linearly moveable portion. The rotary actuator is configured to control, via the connector, a position of the grip, the rotary actuator moving rotationally in response to a control signal. The active throttle assembly also includes at least one detector (218) arranged to measure at least one of a kinematic variable associated with the grip and a force applied to the grip.