Autothrottle Thrust Limiting for Preferred Flight Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autothrottle systems in aircraft do not automatically change modes from hold mode without pilot command, potentially allowing the aircraft to enter non-preferred flight conditions, which can lead to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that calculate a thrust resolver angle based on flight conditions to restrict throttle movement and prevent the autothrottle system from entering hold mode, using a processor to analyze flight inputs and maintain the aircraft in a preferred flight state by disabling the hold mode and restricting throttle lever movement through an electromechanical mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the autothrottle system is placed into hold mode to allow manual throttle control, then the pilot gains direct control over thrust, but the aircraft may enter non-preferred flight conditions and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical throttle limiters with an electromechanical system that uses a motor-driven limiter to dynamically restrict throttle movement. This allows automated protection against non-preferred flight conditions while still permitting manual control when needed, resolving the contradiction between pilot authority and flight safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors flight conditions and automatically adjusts throttle limiter settings based on real-time aircraft state. When non-preferred conditions are detected, the system restricts throttle movement to prevent further degradation, providing automated feedback control that maintains reliability while allowing manual operation
2Productivity
If the autothrottle system automatically changes mode from hold mode to maintain preferred flight conditions, then flight performance is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical throttle limiter serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical stop to prevent excessive throttle movement, a controlled restriction when automated protection is needed, and a transparent element when full manual control is required. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while maintaining performance optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects non-preferred flight conditions and self-corrects by restricting throttle movement without requiring pilot intervention. The automated mode transition and throttle limitation occur autonomously based on flight condition monitoring, maintaining performance while managing complexity through self-service operation
3Reliability
If the throttle is restricted from moving past the thrust resolver angle to maintain preferred flight mode, then the aircraft remains in optimal performance state, but the pilot's ability to manually override is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle limiter is designed as a dynamic, motor-driven mechanism rather than a fixed mechanical stop. It can adjust its restriction level based on flight conditions and can be temporarily overridden when the pilot needs to exceed the thrust resolver angle limit, providing both protection and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively restricts throttle movement before the aircraft can enter non-preferred flight conditions by limiting motion past the thrust resolver angle. This preliminary action prevents performance degradation while still allowing pilot override when necessary, balancing protection with versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
Automated throttle control includes calculating, using a processor, a thrust resolver angle based on a flight condition of an aircraft, and controlling a throttle from moving past at least one of the thrust resolver angle or a range defined by the thrust resolver angle to maintain the aircraft in a preferred flight mode.