Single Input Engine Controller for Aircraft Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft engines with separate controls for fuel and propeller RPM require pilots to consult charts to achieve fuel efficiency, leading to wasted fuel and reduced flight distances due to inefficient propeller RPM settings during varying flight modes.
Innovation Solution
A single input engine controller that receives a signal from a standard fuel controller to adjust both engine fuel and propeller RPM settings automatically, optimizing fuel efficiency by varying propeller RPM based on the horsepower required for different flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate controls for fuel and propeller RPM are used, then fuel efficiency can be optimized through proper coordination, but the system complexity increases and requires pilot training to consult charts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel control lever and propeller RPM control lever into a single integrated control lever. This single lever simultaneously controls both the amount of fuel supplied to the engine and the RPM of the propeller, eliminating the need for separate controls and the associated complexity of consulting coordination charts.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control lever performs multiple functions: it controls both fuel flow and propeller RPM settings. By making the control lever universal, the system eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms and reduces the operational burden on the pilot.
2Loss of energy
If pilots manually adjust propeller RPM using charts, then fuel efficiency can be maintained, but time is lost and operational simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manual adjustment process into an automatic single-lever system. The integrated control lever automatically coordinates fuel and propeller RPM settings based on flight conditions, eliminating the need for pilots to manually consult and adjust settings according to charts.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control lever system is self-regulating, automatically providing the correct coordination between fuel flow and propeller RPM without requiring pilot intervention or reference to external charts. The system serves itself by inherently maintaining optimal settings.
3Ease of operation
If propeller RPM is kept at takeoff setting during cruise, then the system remains simple to operate, but fuel is wasted by spinning the propeller at higher than necessary RPM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the single lever continuously adjusts both fuel flow and propeller RPM settings according to the current flight phase and power requirements. This dynamic adjustment ensures the propeller operates at the optimal RPM for each condition, preventing fuel waste while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A single input engine controller and system are provided for translating a single input indicative of the amount of fuel to be supplied to an engine from a fuel control interface into separate signals for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the engine and the RPM of a propeller powered by that engine. The single input controller translating the single input into the separate signal for the RPM of the propeller according to a fuel efficiency relationship between the fuel amount and the propeller RPM.