Tiltrotor Thrust Control With Linear-to-Perpendicular Motion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotorcraft control systems require pilots to lean forward and maintain frictional contact with the collective control lever for thrust management, limiting pilot awareness and comfort during operations.

Innovation Solution

A thrust control apparatus with a substantially linear motion handle that converts into a perpendicular motion, eliminating the need for friction and allowing seated operation, featuring a crankbell mechanism that engages engine thrust control without arcuate or rotary motion, and can be retrofitted into existing rotorcraft configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pilots use traditional collective control levers with arcuate or rotary motion, then engine thrust control is achieved, but pilots must lean forward and maintain frictional contact which limits awareness and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilot comfort and awarenessVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional control mechanism by replacing arcuate or rotary motion with substantially linear motion. The control handle moves linearly along the pilot's line of sight rather than requiring arcuate movement, allowing the pilot to remain upright and maintain awareness of surroundings while still achieving effective thrust control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical contact system with a cable-pulley mechanism. The control handle connects via cable to a pulley system that converts linear motion into rotational motion for the collective control lever, eliminating the need for frictional contact and allowing the handle to be released while maintaining control position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a linear motion control handle is used, then pilot awareness and comfort are improved, but the mechanism requires conversion from linear to perpendicular motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilot awarenessVSAvoidmotion conversion mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element between the linearly moving control handle and the rotational collective control lever. The cable transmits the linear motion force to the pulley system, which then converts it to rotational motion, serving as a mediator that enables motion transformation while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a pulley system that utilizes curved surfaces to convert linear motion into rotational motion. The pulley's curved geometry naturally transforms the directional motion from linear to perpendicular, providing an elegant mechanical solution for motion conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If traditional friction-based control is used, then control position is maintained, but pilot must maintain physical contact which causes strain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol position stabilityVSAvoidpilot physical strain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical contact system with a cable-pulley mechanism. The control handle connects via cable to a pulley system that converts linear motion into rotational motion for the collective control lever, eliminating the need for frictional contact and allowing the handle to be released while maintaining control position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable-pulley system is self-maintaining in that it holds the control position through its mechanical configuration rather than requiring continuous pilot input. Once the pilot positions the handle, the cable and pulley system maintains that position automatically, freeing the pilot from continuous physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11383851B2Tiltrotor control

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

The present invention includes a thrust control apparatus, method and kit for a tiltrotor craft comprising a thrust control handle; a first and a second bar connected to the thrust control handle and connected to a floor support; a first end of a transverse bar connected to the first bar; a linker connected to a second end of the transverse bar; and a crankbell connected to the floor support below the first and a second bars, wherein a first end of the crankbell is connected to the linker, wherein the thrust control handle has a substantially linear motion that controls engine thrust, and the crankbell transfers the substantially linear motion of the handle into a substantially perpendicular motion that engages an engine thrust control at a second end of the crankbell.