Aircraft Actuator Braking Using De-Icing Load Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated mobile elements in aircraft generate mechanical torque due to their mass and speed, causing the motor to function as a generator, leading to uncontrollable movement and potential damage, necessitating a compact and lightweight braking solution.
Innovation Solution
A command system that electrically connects an electrical power supply to an electric motor and an electrical current consuming device, allowing the device to consume electrical energy generated by the motor, creating a resisting torque for braking, while also enabling de-icing functions when not braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated braking device is added to control the articulated mobile element, then the braking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the motor to serve dual purposes: acting as a motor during normal operation and as a generator for braking. The electrical current consuming device similarly serves both as a braking load and as a de-icing heater, eliminating the need for separate dedicated braking components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining braking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the motor's own generated electrical energy to power the braking process. When the articulated mobile element moves under its own momentum, the motor functions as a generator, producing electrical current that is consumed by the electrical current consuming device, creating a self-contained braking system without requiring external power sources or additional braking mechanisms
2Reliability
If a dedicated braking device is added to control the articulated mobile element, then the braking reliability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the motor to serve dual purposes: acting as a motor during normal operation and as a generator for braking. The electrical current consuming device similarly serves both as a braking load and as a de-icing heater, eliminating the need for separate dedicated braking components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining braking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the braking function with the existing motor and electrical current consuming device. By combining these components into an integrated braking system rather than adding separate braking mechanisms, the overall weight of the system is reduced while still achieving reliable braking control of the articulated mobile element
3Power
If the motor is electrically connected to the electrical current consuming device during braking, then the braking effectiveness is improved, but the energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic electrical connection management where the connection state changes based on operational requirements. During braking, the motor is electrically connected to the electrical current consuming device to enable energy consumption and braking. During normal operation or de-icing, the electrical power supply connects to the electrical current consuming device. This dynamic switching optimizes power utilization while managing electrical connection complexity through conditional connectivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively controls the movement of articulated mobile elements by limiting electrical current to the motor, preventing damage and optimizing size, cost, and mass by using a single device for both braking and de-icing.
Implementation Method 1
the articulated mobile element may generate a mechanical torque that is transmitted to the articulated mobile element motor. The articulated mobile element motor then begins to function as a generator
Implementation Method 2
the consumption by the electrical current consuming device of electrical energy supplied by the motor and therefore by limiting the electrical current supplied by the motor, which enables a resisting torque to be created
Implementation Method 3
The electrical current consuming device is further used to effect de-icing when the electrical current consuming device is supplied with electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A command system of an aircraft mobile element actuated by a motor is provided. The command system is electrically connected to a power supply, to the motor and to a current consuming device used to effect de-icing. The system establishes a connection between the motor and the current consuming device and inhibits a first connection between the power supply and the motor and a second connection between the power supply and the current consuming device when a braking command is received. The system enables the first connection and the second connection to be established and inhibits the third connection as long as no braking command has been received or when a command to stop braking is received. Thus the mobile element can be easily braked and the overall size of the system is limited.