Aircraft Autothrottle Interface With Virtual Detents for Small Cockpits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autothrottle systems for small aircraft are impractical due to spatial and weight constraints, lacking intuitive and safe pilot interfaces, and are not easily retrofittable to existing aircraft without special accommodations.
Innovation Solution
An autothrottle system with a pilot interface that includes a power-control lever (PCL) coupled to an autothrottle actuator, featuring virtual detents for haptic feedback and adjustable modes, allowing intuitive control and safe operation, and an autothrottle controller that dynamically adjusts throttle settings based on flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional autothrottle systems are implemented in small aircraft, then automatic throttle control capability is achieved, but spatial requirements and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical autothrottle actuators with an electronic control system. The electronic throttle control system uses electronic signals and software algorithms to control engine power, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical actuators, linkages, and physical feedback mechanisms. This substitution dramatically reduces system weight while maintaining automatic throttle control capability in small aircraft.
2Extent of automation
If traditional autothrottle systems are implemented in small aircraft, then automatic throttle control capability is achieved, but spatial accommodations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic throttle control system eliminates bulky mechanical components such as large actuators, complex linkages, and physical detent mechanisms. The system uses electronic signal processing and software-based control logic, requiring minimal space in the cockpit. The electronic architecture allows for compact integration near existing throttle controls without requiring dedicated mechanical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit. The same electronic controller handles throttle actuation, provides haptic feedback through the existing throttle lever, displays system status, and interfaces with other aircraft systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall spatial requirements.
3Ease of operation
If virtual detent haptic feedback is implemented, then pilot awareness of throttle settings is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detent mechanisms with an electronic haptic feedback system. Instead of physical springs, cam lobes, and mechanical stoppers, the system uses electronic actuators with controlled stiffness and damping characteristics. The flight control computer generates haptic cues by dynamically adjusting the mechanical impedance of the electronic actuator, providing intuitive feedback to the pilot through the throttle lever without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides different haptic feedback characteristics by dynamically changing the electrical parameters of the electronic actuator. The flight control computer adjusts current, voltage, and impedance parameters in real-time to create different haptic sensations corresponding to various throttle detents and flight phases. This parameter-based control allows for programmable haptic feedback that adapts to different flight conditions without requiring physical reconfiguration.
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
Enhances pilot control over engine power with reduced workload, improves flight safety, and enables easy integration into small aircraft without requiring significant modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The motors of the system, therefore, must be fairly robust, both in size and weight (to provide sufficient torque and operating forces applied to the power control lever(s) (PCL))
Implementation Method 2
the virtual detent is operative, at least when the system is in a disengaged state for autothrottle control, to indicate the control-target setting to the pilot via a haptic effect that applies a detent force opposing motion of the PCL
Data Source
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AI summary
An autothrottle for an aircraft that includes a power-control input (PCL) manually movable by a pilot along a travel path to effect a throttle setting that controls engine power of the aircraft. The autothrottle determines a control-target setting for a throttle of the aircraft and dynamically adjusts the throttle according to the control-target setting, including moving the PCL to achieve the control-target setting. A virtual detent is set and dynamically adjusted at positions along a travel path of the PCL corresponding to the control-target setting. The virtual detent is operative, at least when the autothrottle is in a disengaged state for autothrottle control, to indicate the control-target setting to the pilot via a haptic effect that applies a detent force opposing motion of the PCL in response to the PCL achieving the position of the virtual detent.