Aircraft Propeller Control via Feather Valve Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft propeller control systems are cumbersome due to the need for multiple mechanisms, such as propeller fly ball overspeed governors and auxiliary low pitch stop solenoids, which add weight and complexity, and existing methods like feather valve modulation are limited to specific hydraulic designs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a feather valve and actuator adjusted by hydraulic pressure, controlled by a processing unit to output signals that adjust and hold the propeller blade angle within predetermined thresholds, providing a more efficient and versatile control mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If propeller fly ball overspeed governors and auxiliary low pitch stop solenoids are integrated in the PCU, then propeller speed control and protection are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple propeller control functions (overspeed governor, low pitch stop, feathering control) into a single integrated PCU system with a unified control architecture. The processing unit consolidates control logic for all functions, while the feather valve serves multiple purposes including speed regulation and pitch control, eliminating the need for separate fly ball governors and solenoid systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The feather valve is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform overspeed protection, pitch angle control, and feathering operations. The single feather valve replaces multiple specialized valves and mechanisms, providing universal control capability across different operating conditions and propeller types.
2Reliability
If feather valve modulation is used to avoid overspeed, then speed control is improved, but adaptability is limited to specific hydraulic designs
Solution Approach 1:
The feather valve is designed with universal compatibility across different hydraulic systems and propeller types. The control system can modulate the feather valve for various functions including overspeed protection, pitch control, and feathering, making it applicable to spring-loaded feather valves and other hydraulic designs without requiring system-specific modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls propeller speed and pitch by modulating the feather valve position and hydraulic pressure parameters. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system achieves adaptive control that works across different hydraulic designs and operating conditions, rather than being locked into a single fixed configuration.
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
This solution enhances propeller control by reducing weight and complexity while enabling effective speed and angle regulation across various propeller types, serving as a secondary control mechanism during faults.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator for adjusting an angle of a plurality of blades of the aircraft propeller in response to hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling an aircraft propeller are provided. In anticipation of a condition in which a parameter related to an angle of a plurality of blades of the propeller reaches a value beyond a predetermined threshold, a first control signal is output comprising instructions to actuate a feather valve operatively coupled to an actuator configured to adjust the angle in response to hydraulic pressure, thereby causing the feather valve to provide the hydraulic pressure to the actuator and the angle to be adjusted for bringing the parameter towards the threshold. When the parameter reaches the predetermined threshold, a second control signal is output comprising instructions to hold the feather valve at a position in which the hydraulic pressure is withheld from the actuator, thereby causing the angle to remain unchanged.