Electromechanical Actuator Locking Detection via Motor Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the blocking member of an electromechanical actuator in aircraft brakes are inadequate for detecting malfunctions, such as accidental locking, and result in increased mass, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors the blocking member by analyzing the supply current of the electric motor during no-load operating phases, comparing it to a predetermined threshold, and detecting accidental locking when the current exceeds this threshold, without adding mass to the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing monitoring methods for the locking device are implemented, then the reliability of detecting accidental locking is improved, but the mass of the electromechanical actuator increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the electric motor's own supply current as a diagnostic signal to detect locking conditions. The monitoring method analyzes current characteristics already present in the system during normal operation, allowing the actuator to self-diagnose locking states without external monitoring equipment, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding mass increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical/mechanical monitoring devices with an electrical monitoring approach. Instead of using additional mechanical sensors or devices to detect locking, the system substitutes this with analysis of electrical current characteristics, eliminating the need for extra mechanical components and reducing overall mass
2Weight of moving object
If no monitoring method is implemented, then the mass of the electromechanical actuator is kept low, but the ability to detect malfunctions such as accidental locking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the supply current to the electric motor and comparing it against expected characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect deviations indicating locking conditions, providing malfunction detection capability without adding significant mass since the monitoring uses existing electrical signals
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 detects accidental locking of the blocking member, allowing for timely intervention and maintaining the actuator's normal operation without increasing its mass, thus ensuring reliable braking performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (11) adapted to drive the actuating member (13)
Implementation Method 2
measuring the supply current using a pre-existing current sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method for monitoring a locking element (12) of an electromechanical actuator (1), the monitoring method comprising the steps of: - determining a representative value of the supply current of a motor (11) during a no-load operating phase of the electromechanical actuator (1); - comparing the representative value of the supply current with a predetermined current threshold defined from the nominal no-load operating characteristics of the electromechanical actuator (1); - detecting an accidental locking of the locking element (12) when the representative value of the supply current is greater than or equal to the predetermined current threshold. An electromechanical actuator (1) comprising a locking element (12) monitored by such a method.