Paramotor Throttle Locking Mechanism for Fatigue Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing paramotor throttle locking mechanism is cumbersome, requiring two hands to disengage, prone to under- or over-torquing, and lacks fine adjustments and quick reengagement of preset thrust levels, leading to pilot fatigue and unsafe flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A throttle assembly with a spring-loaded pivoting throttle lock, adjustable catch, and adjustment knob that allows locking, incremental adjustments, rapid disengagement, and quick reengagement of the throttle input, enabling the pilot to maintain desired thrust levels without manual system resets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thumb screw locking mechanism is used, then the throttle lever can be locked in position, but the mechanism requires two hands to disengage and is prone to under- or over-torquing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual thumb screw mechanical system with a spring-loaded cam mechanism. The cam lever (16) with its curved surface (18) interacts with the adjustable stop (7) to provide automatic locking through spring force, eliminating the need for manual torquing and two-handed operation. The spring (11) provides consistent locking force without requiring user skill or strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the spring-loaded cam system. When the cam lever is depressed, the spring automatically engages the cam with the stop to lock the throttle. The system serves itself by using spring force rather than requiring continuous manual input or adjustment by the pilot.
2Ease of operation
If a thumb screw locking mechanism is used, then the throttle lever can be locked, but it lacks fine adjustments while locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment function into two independent segments: the adjustable stop (7) for setting the locked position and the cam lever (16) for engaging/disengaging the lock. This segmentation allows the pilot to first set the desired throttle position using the stop, then engage the lock independently, enabling fine adjustments while maintaining the locked state without requiring system reset.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static thumb screw position to a dynamic system where the adjustable stop can be repositioned along the throttle lever while locked. The spring-loaded cam allows the throttle to be locked at any position along its range, providing continuous adaptability rather than fixed discrete positions.
3Ease of operation
If a thumb screw locking mechanism is used, then the throttle can be locked, but it cannot quickly reengage a preset thrust level
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stop (7) is pre-positioned to correspond to the desired thrust level before flight or before locking. When the pilot needs to reengage the preset level, they simply need to reposition the stop to the predetermined location and engage the cam lever, rather than manually adjusting the entire throttle system. This preliminary positioning of the stop saves significant time during reengagement.
4Reliability
If the pilot manually holds the throttle lever, then the desired thrust level can be maintained, but hand fatigue and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the continuous manual holding function from the pilot's hand by introducing an automatic spring-loaded locking mechanism. The spring (11) takes over the task of maintaining thrust level by automatically engaging the cam lever with the adjustable stop, freeing the pilot's hand from continuous effort while reliably maintaining the desired thrust level.
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
Enables pilots to maintain consistent thrust levels with reduced hand fatigue, allows for precise in-flight adjustments, and ensures safe and efficient operation by simplifying the locking and unlocking process, thereby enhancing flight safety and control.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pivoting throttle lock connected to the throttle lever
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described and claimed in this application is a throttle assembly for a paramotor with an integrated locking mechanism which can be engaged to lock the throttle input in any position to maintain level flight. The throttle locking mechanism can be quickly disengaged as needed by squeezing the throttle control lever. The throttle locking mechanism is also able to be tuned when in the locked position as to attain the ideal engine input for level flight. The throttle locking mechanism can be preset and quickly returned to a designated power setting.