Hybrid Turbine Propulsion Control With a Single Throttle Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engine control systems require dual throttle levers to adjust turbo-engine speed and propulsor speed, increasing pilot workload and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single throttle lever control system that integrates turbine engine speed and remote propulsor speed and pitch control, utilizing a hybrid electric propulsion system with a data communication bus for seamless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual throttle levers are used to control turbo-engine speed and propulsor speed separately, then precise control of each component is achieved, but pilot workload and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate throttle levers into a single integrated throttle lever that controls both the turbo-engine speed and propulsor speed. The single lever includes a first portion for controlling turbo-engine speed and a second portion for controlling propulsor speed, merging previously separate control functions into one unified interface, thereby reducing pilot workload while maintaining control precision through integrated electronic control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The single throttle lever is designed to perform multiple control functions simultaneously - it controls both the turbo-engine speed and the propulsor speed through different portions of the lever. This multi-functional design allows one control device to replace two separate devices, reducing complexity and ease of operation without sacrificing the precision needed for independent control of each component
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual throttle levers are used to control turbo-engine speed and propulsor speed separately, then independent control of each component is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate throttle levers and their associated control systems into a single integrated throttle lever with electronic control. The single lever includes distinct portions for controlling turbo-engine speed and propulsor speed, combining previously separate mechanical control systems into one unified device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability through electronic actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage systems with electronic control systems. The single throttle lever uses electronic actuators and control systems to independently adjust turbo-engine speed and propulsor speed, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and reducing device complexity while maintaining precise independent control through electronic signal processing
Data Source
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AI summary
A propulsion system (1500, 1700, 1900) and a method of operating the propulsion system (1500, 1700, 1900). The propulsion system (1500, 1700, 1900) includes a turbine engine (1510, 1710, 1910), an electric power supply (1630), and a lubrication system (1600, 1800, 2000). The turbine engine (1510, 1710, 1910) includes a turbo-engine (16) having a low-pressure shaft (36) and one or more engine bearings (37), a propulsor (38) having a propulsor shaft (45), a gearbox assembly (46) having a gear assembly (50), and an electric machine (70, 1770). The propulsor shaft (45) is drivingly coupled to the low-pressure shaft (36) through the gear assembly (50). The electric machine (70, 1770) powers the propulsor (38) when the turbo-engine (16) is shut down. The lubrication system (1600, 1800, 2000) supplies a lubricant to at least one of the one or more engine bearings (37) or the gear assembly (50). The electric power supply (1630) powers the lubrication system (1600, 1800, 2000) when the turbo-engine (16) is shut down.