Aircraft Engine Speed Control Lever Tactile Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
During transitions between manual and automatic engine speed control modes in aircraft, there is a significant deviation between the engine speed setpoint indicated by the control lever and the actual engine speed, leading to unpleasant jolts and requiring pilots to manually adjust the lever, which is complex and distracting.
Innovation Solution
An engine-speed control device with actuating means that apply mechanical force to the control lever based on the difference between the setpoint and actual engine speed, providing tactile feedback to help align them, using movable stops, electromechanical brakes, or motors to assist pilots in maintaining consistent engine speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic engine-speed regulating system is used, then engine speed is automatically controlled, but deviation between setpoint and effective engine speed occurs upon mode transition
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by providing tactile information through actuating means (such as movable stops or electromechanical brakes) that apply mechanical force to the control lever when there is a deviation between the setpoint and effective engine speed. This feedback mechanism guides the pilot to adjust the lever position to eliminate the deviation, ensuring smooth mode transitions while maintaining automatic control benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating means serve as an intermediary between the automatic regulating system and the pilot. Instead of directly controlling the engine speed without pilot awareness, the system uses tactile feedback through the control lever to mediate the transition, allowing the pilot to feel the deviation and make appropriate adjustments while the automatic system remains active.
2Loss of information
If screen indications are used to show setpoint and effective engine speed, then pilot can see the deviation, but pilot attention is distracted from more important screens
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces visual information display on screens with tactile mechanical feedback through the control lever itself. Instead of requiring the pilot to visually monitor screens for speed deviation, the actuating means provide direct tactile cues through mechanical force, allowing the pilot to sense the deviation through touch while maintaining visual attention on primary flight displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the information delivery from a two-dimensional visual display on screens to a three-dimensional tactile experience through the control lever. The tactile feedback adds a physical dimension to the information, allowing the pilot to perceive speed deviation through touch rather than sight, thereby reducing visual workload.
3Reliability
If pilot manually adjusts control lever to align setpoint with effective engine speed, then speed deviation is reduced, but complex coordination with other pilot actions is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the control lever itself to guide the pilot's adjustments through tactile feedback. The actuating means provide directional cues through mechanical force, enabling the pilot to intuitively adjust the lever position without complex mental calculations or coordination, reducing the cognitive load while achieving reliable alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine speed control device includes an engine speed control lever that generates an engine speed instruction and a device for delivering the indicative information on the actual engine speed. An actuator applies a mechanical force on the lever according to the difference between the instruction and the indicative information on the actual engine speed.