Throttle Quadrant Visual Indicators for Auto-Throttle Status Clarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft throttle quadrant systems have not evolved significantly despite advancements in electronic engine controls, leading to unnecessary weight, complexity, and ambiguity in system behavior, particularly with regards to auto-throttle engagement and engine status indicators.

Innovation Solution

Integration of activatable visual indicators within throttle handles that respond to engine data, providing intuitive visual cues for auto-throttle mode, engine status, and other critical conditions, thereby simplifying crew interaction and enhancing situational awareness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate handles for reverse thrust are retained in the throttle quadrant assembly, then the system maintains compatibility with traditional mechanical cable mechanisms, but the weight and size of the throttle quadrant system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with traditional mechanical cable mechanismsVSAvoidweight of throttle quadrant system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the separate reverse thrust lever from the throttle quadrant assembly, extracting only the essential thrust control function into the main throttle lever. This eliminates redundant components and reduces weight while maintaining full functionality through electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The main throttle lever is designed to perform multiple functions: forward thrust control, reverse thrust control, and auto-throttle engagement. By making the throttle lever universal, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated levers for each function, reducing overall system weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional throttle quadrant assembly design is maintained, then mechanical control mechanisms are preserved, but the system complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical control mechanism preservationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with electronic control systems. The throttle lever uses electronic sensors and digital bus communication to control engine thrust, eliminating complex mechanical linkages, cables, and associated hardware while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple control functions (thrust control, reverse thrust, auto-throttle engagement) into a single integrated throttle lever assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If auto-throttle feature is implemented without integrated visual indicators, then automated thrust control is provided, but crew awareness of engagement status is ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated thrust controlVSAvoidcrew awareness of engagement status

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual indicators on the throttle lever that change color or illuminate to clearly indicate auto-throttle engagement status. These visual cues provide unambiguous information to the flight crew about system state, preventing information loss while maintaining full automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate visual feedback to the crew when auto-throttle is engaged or disengaged. The integrated indicators respond in real-time to system state changes, ensuring continuous crew awareness of automation status without requiring additional monitoring instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250187740A1Aircraft throttle quadrant assembly with integrated visual indicator feature

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

A throttle quadrant system for an aircraft includes: a first throttle handle to control a first engine of the aircraft, the first throttle handle having a first activatable visual indicator integrated therein; a second throttle handle to control a second engine of the aircraft, the second throttle handle comprising a second activatable visual indicator integrated therein; and at least one controller to control activation and operation of the first activatable visual indicator and the second activatable visual indicator. The at least one controller responds to first engine data related to operating status of the first engine to selectively activate the first activatable visual indicator. The at least one controller also responds to second engine data related to operating status of the second engine to selectively activate the second activatable visual indicator.