Electric Actuator Manual Drive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric actuators for aircraft flight surfaces complicate maintenance operations by requiring power and posing safety risks during manual movement, as they are designed for normal operating modes and lack mechanisms for safe manual actuation outside these modes.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a secondary drive unit and a torque limiter, allowing manual operation via a rotational drive tool without powering the motor, featuring a secondary shaft with a tool engagement interface and a bevel gear that couples with the output shaft only when a complementary connector is secured, and a brake to prevent unwanted rotation and maintain the flight surface in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the actuator is designed for normal motorized operation, then the motorization function is improved, but manual actuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: normal motorized operation through the electric motor and manual actuation through the secondary drive unit. The coupling means selectively connect the output shaft to either the motor shaft or the secondary drive shaft, allowing the same actuator to serve both automated and manual purposes without requiring separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If manual actuation is enabled, then maintenance operation ease is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to unwanted motor rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device prevents unwanted motor rotation before it can harm the operator. The electromagnetic protection device detects when the actuator is in manual mode and inhibits motor activation, while the mechanical protection device uses the brake to physically prevent motor shaft rotation. This preliminary prevention eliminates the safety hazard of unexpected motor movement during manual maintenance operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protection device is added, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection devices are integrated into the existing actuator structure rather than being added as separate external systems. The electromagnetic protection device utilizes the actuator's electrical control system, and the mechanical protection device incorporates the brake into the drive train. The coupling means themselves serve as part of the protection mechanism by providing selective connection paths. This merging approach provides comprehensive safety while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient manual actuation of aircraft flight surfaces during maintenance by preventing unwanted motor rotation and minimizing mechanical stress, enhancing operator safety and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing controlled movement without powering the actuator.
Implementation Method 1
an electric actuator capable of being activated manually and provided with an electromagnetic protection device inhibiting manual activation when the electric motor of the actuator is powered
Implementation Method 2
provided with an electromagnetic protection device inhibiting manual activation when the electric motor of the actuator is powered
Data Source
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AI summary
Actuator comprising a frame, an electric motor which is secured to the frame and has a rotor rotationally linked to an output shaft, and a connector electrically connected to the motor and secured to the frame in order to be connected to a complementary connector, characterized in that the actuator comprises a secondary driving device comprising: - a secondary shaft having a first end which extends outside the frame and is designed to be rotationally coupled to a tool for driving in rotation; - means for rotationally coupling a second end of the secondary shaft and the output shaft; and - means for activating the coupling means which comprise an activation rod that leads into the connector secured to the frame and which are designed to prevent the rotational coupling of the secondary shaft and the output shaft only when the complementary connector is connected to the connector secured to the frame.