Aircraft Control Quadrant Decoupling Throttle and Propeller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft pilots face limitations in achieving optimal engine efficiency due to the direct coupling of throttle and propeller controls, which restricts independent control over propeller RPM and throttle settings, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption, increased cabin noise, and vibration.

Innovation Solution

A modification that decouples the throttle and propeller controls, providing separate levers for independent control, allowing pilots to adjust throttle and propeller RPM settings independently, thereby optimizing engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption, noise, and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If throttle and propeller controls are directly coupled, then control interface simplicity is improved, but independent control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol interface simplicityVSAvoidindependent control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the previously coupled throttle and propeller controls into separate independent control interfaces. The throttle control and propeller control are segmented into distinct levers or controls, allowing the pilot to operate them independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall control layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If independent control of throttle and propeller is provided, then engine efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into separate throttle and propeller controls, enabling independent optimization of engine efficiency while using straightforward mechanical or electronic control mechanisms that minimize added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to provide multiple functions through the separate controls - the throttle control manages power output while the propeller control manages RPM, and these can be independently adjusted to achieve optimal fuel consumption across various flight conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If separate levers for throttle and propeller are used, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control interfaces are segmented into separate levers with distinct functions - one lever for precise throttle control and another for precise propeller RPM control. This segmentation enables fine-tuned independent adjustment while maintaining ergonomic positioning and clear labeling to preserve operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9150303B2Control quadrant

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 TAMARACK AEROSPACE GROUP INC

AI summary

An aircraft with a control system having joint control for a throttle and a propeller of an aircraft may be modified to decouple the joint control of a throttle and a propeller. Control of the throttle and propeller may be independent of the other. Exemplary modification of a control system may use new structures, existing structures, repurpose existing structures, or use a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, modification of a control system may provide controls with tactile distinction to a user.