Auto Throttle Disable Processor for Inadvertent Engine Shutdown Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a loss of engine power in an aircraft, flight crew members may inadvertently shut down a working engine due to stress-induced tunnel vision, leading to insufficient power for emergency landing.
Innovation Solution
An auto throttle system with a disable processor that monitors throttle movements and prevents the disengagement of auto throttle control for a working engine when an engine malfunction is detected, ensuring the correct engine is shut down and maintaining power for emergency procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the auto throttle system allows manual throttle movement during engine malfunction, then the flight crew can quickly respond to the emergency, but the risk of inadvertently shutting down the wrong engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disable processor acts as an intermediary between the throttle lever and the motor. It monitors throttle movements and blocks the motor from disengaging when an engine malfunction is detected, preventing inadvertent shutdown of the working engine while still allowing the flight crew to manually move the throttle lever for emergency response
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors throttle lever position and compares it with commanded positions. When an uncommanded throttle movement is detected during an engine malfunction, the disable processor receives feedback and automatically prevents the motor from disengaging, providing real-time protection against wrong engine shutdown
2Ease of operation
If the auto throttle control is disengaged during loss of engine power, then the flight crew has full manual control, but the risk of human error increases due to stress-induced tunnel vision
Solution Approach 1:
The disable processor applies preliminary anti-action by proactively blocking the motor disengagement before the flight crew can inadvertently shut down the wrong engine. When an engine malfunction is detected, the system preemptively prevents the motor from disengaging, counteracting the potential harmful action that might result from stress-induced tunnel vision
Solution Approach 2:
The auto throttle system provides self-service by automatically monitoring throttle movements and preventing incorrect engine shutdown without requiring additional pilot intervention. The disable processor autonomously detects uncommanded throttle movements and blocks motor disengagement, reducing the cognitive burden on stressed flight crew members
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling a throttle can use an auto throttle system. The auto throttle system includes an auto throttle monitor and a disable processor. The auto throttle monitor is configured to monitor throttle levers for an uncommanded throttle movement and disengage auto throttle control in response to the uncommanded throttle movement. The disable processor is configured to receive an indication of a loss of engine power from a first engine and prevent the auto throttle monitor from disengaging the auto throttle control for a throttle lever of the throttle levers associated with a second engine, the second engine being different than the first engine.