Linear Actuator Condensation Reduction via Slider-Driven Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromechanical actuators in all-electric aircraft are prone to damage due to moisture ingress, primarily through condensation and seal failure, with existing solutions like drain holes and internal heaters being inefficient or space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a linear motor slider within a housing that uses vents with hydrophobic or oleophobic materials to actively remove moisture by alternating gas flow, ensuring clean dry air is circulated within the actuator, reducing condensation and protecting electrical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drain holes are used to remove moisture, then moisture can be drained from the actuator, but foreign material can enter through the drain holes and the holes can become plugged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture removal effectivenessVSAvoidforeign material ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible diaphragm membrane to seal the vent opening, allowing moisture-laden gas to be expelled while preventing foreign material from entering the actuator. The membrane acts as a selective barrier that maintains reliability without compromising against contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The vent incorporates a porous filter material that allows moisture vapor and gas to pass through while blocking larger foreign particles and contaminants. This resolves the contradiction by enabling moisture removal while filtering out harmful foreign material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If internal heaters are used to prevent condensation, then moisture condensation is reduced, but power consumption increases and weight and space are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator uses its own operational movements to drive the moisture removal process. The slider's reciprocating motion creates pressure differentials that naturally expel moisture-laden gas without requiring external power input for active drying, making the system self-servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The moisture removal occurs periodically during the slider's reciprocating motion. Each cycle of movement creates alternating pressure differentials that periodically expel moisture, providing continuous protection without requiring constant power input like heaters would demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If vents are opened to allow gas exchange, then moisture-laden gas can be expelled, but pressure fatigue occurs on the vents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture expulsion capabilityVSAvoidvent pressure fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible diaphragm membrane in the vent allows it to flex dynamically with pressure changes rather than rigidly resisting them. This flexibility absorbs pressure variations and reduces fatigue stress on the vent structure while maintaining the moisture expulsion function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The vent system transitions from a static opening to a dynamic flexible membrane that adapts to pressure changes. The membrane's ability to flex and return provides a dynamic response to pressure variations, reducing cumulative fatigue damage while maintaining effective moisture removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively reduces moisture-related failures by actively recirculating moisture-laden gas with clean dry air, minimizing pressure fatigue on vents and maintaining a near-pressure equilibrium, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electromechanical actuators.

Implementation Method 1

Moisture is removed from the second gas as the second gas is being drawn into the transfer chamber by passing the second gas through at least one of a hydrophobic or oleophobic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS10563747B2Method for condensation reduction in linear electromechanical actuators

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A method for reducing condensation includes moving a linear motor slider that is positioned within a housing of an actuator. A first gas is pushed out of a transfer plate chamber through a first vent. A second gas is drawn into the transfer plate chamber through a second vent. Moisture is removed from the second gas as the second gas is being drawn into the transfer chamber by passing the second gas through at least one of a hydrophobic or oleophobic material.