Synchronized Reverse Thrust Control for Multi-Engine Propeller Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-engine propeller aircraft experience undesirable behaviors like yawing due to unsynchronized transition from forward to reverse thrust, which is complex and prone to pilot error in traditional methods.
Innovation Solution
A system with first and second engine controllers that communicate to ensure synchronized blade angle transitions for propellers, commanding reverse thrust only when both propellers' angles are beyond a predetermined threshold, eliminating the need for central arbitration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pilot coordination methods are used for transitioning propeller blade angles, then reverse thrust can be produced, but the system is complex and prone to pilot error leading to unsynchronized transition
Solution Approach 1:
Each engine controller independently determines its own propeller blade angle and monitors the other engine's status, eliminating the need for external coordination. The controllers autonomously evaluate whether reverse thrust should be produced based on local conditions and communicated blade angle data, making the system self-regulating and reducing coordination complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The engine controllers exchange blade angle information and use this feedback to determine when reverse thrust conditions are met. Each controller continuously monitors the other's blade angle status and adjusts its own reverse thrust production accordingly, ensuring synchronized transition through continuous information feedback
2Productivity
If unsynchronized propeller blade angle transitions occur, then reverse thrust production begins, but yawing and other undesirable behaviors result
Solution Approach 1:
The engine controllers first exchange blade angle information and evaluate whether the predetermined conditions for reverse thrust are met before actually commanding reverse thrust production. This preliminary verification ensures that both propellers are ready for synchronized transition, preventing yawing caused by unsynchronized blade angle changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system prevents harmful yawing behavior by proactively ensuring synchronized blade angle transitions before reverse thrust begins. The controllers verify blade angle synchronization in advance and only permit reverse thrust when both propellers are properly aligned, thereby counteracting the potential for undesirable aircraft behaviors before they can occur
Data Source
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AI summary
Herein provided are methods and systems for producing reverse thrust in a multi-engine propeller aircraft (100), comprising: obtaining, at a first engine controller (222) of a first engine (212) of the aircraft (100), a first power request for the first engine (212) for producing reverse thrust; determining, at the first engine controller (222), a first blade angle for a first propeller (214) coupled to the first engine (212); obtaining, at the first engine controller (222) and from a second engine controller (272) of a second engine (262) of the aircraft (100), a second power request for the second engine (262) and a second blade angle for a second propeller (264) coupled to the second engine (262); and when the second power request is indicative of a request for producing reverse thrust and when the first and second blade angles are beyond a predetermined threshold, commanding, via the first engine controller (222), the first engine (212) to produce reverse thrust based on the first power request.