Aircraft autothrottle system
US5188316A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1991 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D31/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The throttle of an aircraft can be alternatively controlled either by a flight control computer or by the manual control of the pilot. A clutch is installed between the throttle control lever and a control input to the flight control computer which in the autothrottle mode of operation is engaged to enable control of the throttle by the flight control computer with the control lever being positioned in accordance with such control. When manual takeover of the throttle control is desired, a switch is actuated by the pilot which operates to disengage the clutch and thereby disconnects the control output of the computer from the lever so that only manual control is provided. A unique clutch mechanism is employed which utilizes a pair of locking wedges which operate in conjunction with a pair of rollers. The wedges and rollers are driven into engagement with each other by a solenoid, the opposing plates of the clutch being held in locking engagement through the intermediary provided by the wedges and rollers. Emergency "bump" disconnection of the clutch is effected by a pair of microswitches against which a cantilevered spring portion of the control lever abuts when the lever is "bumpe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.