Flight Actuator Check Device Test Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight actuator primary load path failure detection devices require reliable and efficient testing methods to ensure correct operation without adding new sensors, as they often rely on mechanical linkages that can be complex and prone to misinterpretation of failures.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus that mechanically moves a check device pin using a piston with a softer spring to simulate the operation of the sensorless check device, allowing it to return to its resting position and ensuring correct movement and alignment, thereby testing the device's functionality without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical linkage is used to simulate disconnection of the position sensor, then the detection device can be tested without additional sensors, but the mechanical linkage becomes complex and prone to misinterpretation of failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from a complex mechanical linkage system and implements it through a simpler direct actuation mechanism. The test apparatus directly actuates the check device pin without requiring complex intermediate mechanical linkages, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity and eliminating sources of misinterpretation.
2Ease of operation
If the piston spring is made softer than the elastic return mechanism, then the piston can be compressed to apply load and move the actuator surface, but the piston spring requires precise stiffness control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the piston spring stiffness should be between 10-50% of the elastic return mechanism stiffness, providing a clear parameter range that balances ease of operation with manufacturable precision. This parameter specification allows the piston spring to be compressed and apply load effectively while maintaining reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If the check device pin is moved mechanically through its full range, then the device can be tested for correct operation, but time is required for the pin to return to its resting position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the elastic return mechanism that automatically returns the check device pin to its resting position after actuation. This creates a complete test cycle (actuation followed by automatic return) that can be repeated, providing reliable verification of check device operation while minimizing manual intervention time.
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
This method allows for reliable mechanical testing of the check device, ensuring it moves through its required range and returns to its starting position within predetermined tolerances, preventing jamming or sticking and confirming correct operation of the primary load path failure detection device.
Implementation Method 1
a piston spring for urging the piston toward the actuator surface
Implementation Method 2
an elastic return mechanism; wherein the adjustment and testing mechanism is arranged to: compress the piston spring and apply a load via the piston to the actuator surface
Data Source
AI summary
A test apparatus is provided for testing a sensorless check device of an actuator. The sensorless check device is arranged to be used by mechanically moving a check device pin from a resting position to an actuation position and then releasing the check device pin to allow it to return to a resting position urged by an elastic return mechanism. The test apparatus comprises: a piston for contact with an actuator surface associated with the check device pin; a piston spring for urging the piston toward the actuator surface, wherein the piston spring is softer than the elastic return mechanism of the check device; and an adjustment and testing mechanism.