Actuator Lock Arrangement for Ice Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators used in aerospace applications, such as thrust reverser systems, face challenges in preventing unwanted movement due to external loadings or icing, leading to increased power requirements and weight penalties in solenoid actuators to overcome contamination and ice formation.
Innovation Solution
A lock arrangement featuring a rotatable lock member with a release spring and a lock spring, which can be controlled to bias the lock member towards either its locked or released position, allowing for efficient locking and unlocking without continuous power consumption, and incorporating a high-force pusher spring to ensure movement even in contaminated conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid actuator of greater power is used to overcome ice formation and contamination, then the lock sleeve can be driven for movement reliably, but the weight of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator is energized only periodically during the locking and unlocking phases, rather than continuously. During the extension phase, the actuator is de-energized and the lock member is biased towards the released position by the release spring, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two states: locked state (solenoid energized, lock member biased towards locked position) and released state (solenoid de-energized, lock member biased towards released position). This dynamic control allows the actuator to use minimal power while maintaining reliability in contaminated conditions
2Speed
If continuous power is supplied to the solenoid actuator to maintain the lock sleeve in the released position, then the actuator can respond quickly to locking commands, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power is supplied periodically only when needed for locking or unlocking operations, not continuously. The release spring maintains the released position during extension without requiring continuous power, enabling quick response when power is applied while minimizing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The release spring automatically maintains the lock member in the released position during the extension phase without requiring continuous external power input. The system uses the spring's stored energy to maintain the desired state, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption while preserving quick response capability
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
The solution provides a simple and lightweight actuator locking mechanism that reduces power consumption and weight by allowing the actuator to be de-energized during extension, while ensuring reliable locking and unlocking, even in the presence of ice or contaminants, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
A release spring is provided which urges the lock member towards its released position
Implementation Method 2
a lock spring is provided which urges the lock member towards its locked position
Implementation Method 3
The movable abutment is also spring biased by a pusher spring
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuator is described which comprises a rotatable actuator member (14, 114) and a lock arrangement (28, 128) operable to lock the actuator member (14, 144) against rotation, the lock arrangement (28, 128) comprising an axially movable lock member (30, 130, 230a, 230b), the lock member being movable between a locked position in which it co-operates with a stop (34, 136) to resist rotation of the actuator member, and a released position, and an actuation device (62, 162) operable to move the lock member towards its released position.