Rotary-linear actuator health monitoring via efficiency ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical actuators of the rotary-linear type face challenges in detecting gradual seizure, which leads to performance deterioration, and existing solutions are ineffective in providing warnings before sudden seizure occurs.
Innovation Solution
A method for monitoring the performance of rotary-linear actuators by measuring the intensity of the electric current, axial force, and anti-rotation torque, calculating efficiency ratios, and generating an evaluation of the actuator's state of health, allowing for early detection of gradual seizure and providing redundant information for precise health monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional monitoring methods are used, then the actuator operates without continuous health assessment, but gradual seizure cannot be detected early and leads to sudden failure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator monitors its own health by measuring parameters intrinsic to its operation (current, torque, efficiency ratios) without requiring external monitoring equipment. The control unit processes these measurements to detect gradual seizure and generate maintenance recommendations, enabling the system to self-diagnose and self-monitor its condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring method continuously measures operational parameters and feeds this information back through efficiency ratio calculations. The control unit compares current efficiency ratios against reference values to detect deviations indicating gradual seizure, providing continuous feedback on actuator health status to enable early intervention before sudden failure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement parameters are collected, then redundant information provides more precise health monitoring, but measurement and calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method transforms multiple raw measurement parameters (current intensity, torque, axial force) into derived efficiency ratios that simplify health assessment. By calculating efficiency ratios from these measurements and comparing them against reference values, the system converts complex multi-parameter data into interpretable health indicators that precisely indicate gradual seizure without requiring complex analysis of each individual parameter.
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
Enables precise monitoring of the actuator's health, allowing for early detection of gradual seizure and flexible implementation options, such as automatic or cyclic checks, while giving users the freedom to decide on maintenance or replacement actions.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor means M, which are of the electromagnetic type, comprise electric windings or field windings 4 which are arranged in a crown and are supported in particular in at least one notch 5 provided in the casing 1 or in a carcass integral with the latter, the assembly constituting a stator, and which are capable of generating a rotating field driving in rotation a rotor arranged coaxially inside the crown of the windings 4
Implementation Method 2
the nut 2 and said actuator rod 6 being coupled in rotation by axial helical meshing means; for this purpose, as shown in the figure, the nut 2 is in the general form of a tubular element whose inner face is, over at least part of its length, provided with at least one helical thread 7, while the actuator rod 6 has an end inside the nut 2, which can be a widened portion 8 as shown, which is externally provided with a helical thread 9
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for monitoring the output of an electromechanical actuator of the rotary-linear type in order to detect a gradual seizing thereof, wherein said method comprises: measuring the intensity, representative of the motor torque, of the electrical current powering an induction winding (4) of the actuator and the axial stress undergone by an actuator rod (6); calculating the ratio (axial stress undergone by an actuator rod/motor torque) representative of the global output of the actuator and of its present state; and generating an evaluation of the present condition of the actuator based on its present state and optionally on previous stored states and/or on outer parameters.