Aircraft Electronic Throttle System Using Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic throttle systems for aircraft are cumbersome due to the extensive use of redundant wires and cables, which increase weight and complexity, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain.
Innovation Solution
The electronic throttle system employs a signal/power line that uses Power Line Communication (PLC) to transmit both power and throttle data on the same wire, reducing the number of wires needed by utilizing a Throttle Quadrant Assembly (TQA) module and an Engine Electronic Control (EEC) module, along with a rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT) and demodulators to process and transmit throttle signals efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple redundant wires and cables are used to connect engine control systems, then system reliability is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate wiring functions into a single integrated communication bus that carries both power and data signals. The power line communication system merges power transmission and throttle signal transmission into one cable, eliminating the need for separate redundant wiring while maintaining system reliability through digital communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication bus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission, carries throttle position signals, transmits engine control data, and enables bidirectional communication between the throttle quadrant assembly and engine electronic control. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized wires with a single universal communication medium.
2Reliability
If multiple redundant wires and cables are used to connect engine control systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with a digital communication-based system. Instead of using multiple physical wires for different signal types, the system uses digital data transmission over a communication bus, which simplifies connections and reduces manual wiring complexity during assembly and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from analog throttle signals transmitted over separate wires to digital communication protocols over a unified bus. This parameter change from analog to digital enables more efficient signal transmission and reduces the physical infrastructure required, thereby lowering manufacturing and maintenance complexity.
3Reliability
If separate power and signal wires are used, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but the number of wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transmission and signal transmission into a single communication bus using power line communication technology. The same physical medium carries both electrical power to the throttle quadrant assembly and digital throttle position signals, eliminating the need for separate power and signal wires while maintaining transmission reliability through error-checking protocols.
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
This approach simplifies the system, reduces weight, and lowers maintenance complexity while maintaining reliable throttle control, as it uses fewer wires and integrates power and data transmission effectively, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
the signal/power line carries both power signals at a low frequency and throttle data signals at a high frequency on the same electrical wire by relying on power line communication (PLC)
Data Source
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AI summary
A throttle system for providing throttle control for an engine on an aircraft includes a throttle quadrant assembly (TQA) module (92, 94) in electrical communication with a throttle lever (86) for receiving a position signal (88, 90) indicative of a magnitude for a throttle of the engine, the TQA module (92, 94) being operative to convert the position signal (88, 90) into a throttle signal, an engine electronic control (EEC) module (100, 102) connected to the TQA module (92, 94) to translate the throttle signal (88, 90) into a throttle control signal for the engine, and at least one signal/power line connecting the TQA module (92, 94) to the EEC module (100, 102). The signal/ power line at least carries the throttle signal from the TQA module to the EEC module.