Single-lever Autothrottle for Turboprop Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of autothrottle systems into propeller-driven aircraft is challenging due to the complexity of managing the engine and propeller systems, which are typically more difficult to automate compared to turboprop systems.
Innovation Solution
A single-lever autothrottle system is introduced, which controls both the engine and propeller using an autothrottle controller that modulates engine power without pilot input, allowing for seamless integration with existing aircraft avionics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional multi-component control system is used for turboprop engines, then the engine and propeller can be controlled independently, but the system complexity increases and automation becomes more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the engine control and propeller control into a single integrated autothrottle system. The autothrottle controller receives a single throttle input and automatically coordinates both engine power output and propeller pitch angle, merging two previously separate control functions into one unified automated system. This resolves the contradiction by enabling automation while managing complexity through integration rather than separate independent controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The autothrottle controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an engine power controller and a propeller pitch controller. By designing a universal control unit that can manage different aspects of the powerplant system based on a single pilot input, the system achieves high automation capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a single-lever autothrottle system is implemented, then pilot workload is reduced and automation is improved, but the control system must manage both engine and propeller simultaneously which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The autothrottle controller acts as an intermediary between the pilot's single lever input and the two separate actuators (engine power control and propeller pitch control). It receives the simplified single-input from the pilot and automatically translates this into coordinated commands for both engine and propeller systems, reducing pilot workload while managing the underlying complexity through automated mediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the autothrottle controller continuously monitors both engine performance parameters and propeller operating conditions, then automatically adjusts both systems to maintain optimal performance based on the initial pilot input. This feedback loop enables the single-lever system to manage dual-component complexity automatically, keeping the interface simple for the pilot while handling the coordination complexity internally.
Data Source
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AI summary
There are described methods and systems for providing an autothrottle mode in a propeller-driven aircraft. A thrust change is obtained corresponding to a difference between an actual thrust and a desired thrust for an engine (110). When greater than a pre-determined threshold, a setting change to one or more control input(s) (201) of the engine (110) is determined. One or more commands is output to cause the setting change of the control input(s) (201).