Variable-Pitch Propeller Hydraulic Control Against Reverse Thrust Failure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control apparatuses for hydraulic variable-pitch propellers lack a reliable mechanism to prevent the propeller blades from being adjusted to their reverse thrust position in the event of a servo valve failure during flight.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus with mechanically actuated pressure reducing means, such as an overspeed governor and safety valve, that adjust the control pressure in the event of a servo valve failure, preventing the propeller blades from being set to the reverse thrust position by using forces from return springs and centrifugal weights, and ensuring the propeller blades are adjusted to the feathering position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the servo valve is used to adjust the pitch angle of propeller blades, then the propeller can be set to reverse thrust position for braking, but in the event of servo valve failure, the propeller blades may be unintentionally adjusted to reverse thrust position during flight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse thrust capabilityVSAvoidsafety against unintended reverse thrust
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a mechanically actuated pressure reducing means that automatically counteracts the basic pressure from the pressure generating device when the servo valve fails. This mechanical counter-action prevents the propeller blades from being unintentionally adjusted to reverse thrust position by preemptively reducing control pressure when failure conditions are detected through increased rotation speed or centrifugal force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary mechanical pressure reducing means (such as an overspeed governor or centrifugal governor) that acts as a mediator between the pressure generating device and the propeller pitch control system. This intermediary device mechanically reduces the control pressure when the servo valve fails, preventing direct transmission of basic pressure to the propeller blades and thus blocking unintended reverse thrust adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanically actuated pressure reducing means are added to prevent reverse thrust on failure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against unintended reverse thrustVSAvoidcontrol apparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the pressure reducing means to be automatically actuated by the system's own operating parameters (rotation speed, centrifugal force) without requiring external control signals or additional sensors. The mechanically actuated device self-regulates by using the kinetic energy and centrifugal effects already present in the rotating propeller system to reduce control pressure when failure conditions occur, eliminating the need for complex electronic monitoring and control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanically actuated pressure reducing means that uses purely mechanical principles (centrifugal force, overspeed governor mechanics) to detect failure conditions and respond. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electronic sensors, control algorithms, and power systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures the propeller blades are reliably maintained in a safe position during flight, preventing unintended reverse thrust and ensuring safe operation even if the servo valve fails, thereby enhancing flight safety and reducing the risk of accidents.

Implementation Method 1

pressure reducing means which are arranged downstream of the servo valve and upstream of the control line, which are mechanically actuated and which, in the event of a failure of the servo valve, change the control pressure in the control line... operate, for example, in a rotation speed-dependent manner and/or depending on a mechanically measured pitch/setting angle of the propeller blades and lower the control pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11143200B2Control apparatus for a hydraulic variable-pitch propeller and propeller unit comprising a control apparatus of this kind
Publication Date: 2021.10.12 MT PROPELLER ENTWICKLUNG
  • US11143200B2 patent drawing
  • US11143200B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a control apparatus for a hydraulic variable-pitch propeller (12) of an aircraft, land vehicle or water vehicle, comprising:a hydraulic oil feed line (24);a control line (16) which can be connected to the variable-pitch propeller (12);a pressure generating device (73) which is connected to the hydraulic oil feed line (24) and provides hydraulic oil with a basic pressure;a servo valve (78) which is arranged downstream of the pressure generating device (73), the input pressure to which servo valve is the basic pressure and the output pressure from which servo valve during normal operation defines a control pressure in the control line (16) and which servo valve is connected to a controller (28) which delivers a control signal for changing the control pressure; andpressure reducing means which are arranged downstream of the servo valve (78) and upstream of the control line (16), which are mechanically actuated and which, in the event of a failure of the servo valve (78), change the control pressure in the control line (16).