Actuator Power Input Unit for Aircraft Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic actuator systems in aircraft are heavy, bulky, and energy-intensive, with complex pipework and high energy consumption, which complicates installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An electrical actuator assembly powered by a three-phase AC network, featuring an input unit that transforms AC to high voltage DC, includes a bidirectional power line with protective switches and communications interfaces, allowing energy storage and recovery, and simplifies the control and power distribution by using a single power line for both power and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic actuators are used with hydraulic pumps connected to the on-board electricity network, then the actuators can be powered, but the energy consumption is relatively high and the pipework circuit is heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system (hydraulic actuators and pipework circuit) with an electrical system (electrical actuators connected via cables to the on-board electricity network). This substitution eliminates the heavy hydraulic pipework and reduces energy consumption while maintaining the actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from hydraulic actuation to electrical actuation, replacing the hydraulic fluid transmission system with direct electrical power transmission through cables, thereby eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps and complex pipework circuits.
2Device complexity
If a single power line is used for both power and signal transmission, then the number of cables and control signals is reduced, but the reliability of signal transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The power line is designed to serve dual purposes: transmitting electrical power to the actuators and carrying control signals bidirectionally. This multi-functional design reduces the number of cables while maintaining reliability through proper electrical isolation and signal conditioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical couplers or isolators as intermediary devices between the power line and the control electronics. These intermediaries provide electrical isolation while allowing signal transmission, thereby maintaining signal integrity and reliability even when sharing the same physical medium for power and control.
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 solution reduces the number of cables and control signals, enables energy recovery during neutral position returns, and allows for efficient energy storage to manage consumption peaks, simplifying the system architecture and reducing equipment needs.
Implementation Method 1
a transformation member that is arranged to transform the three-phase AC into direct current (DC) at high voltage
Implementation Method 2
The reversible motor of the actuator then acts as a generator and the electricity produced is taken to the store
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly having actuators and an electricity power supply system. The assembly includes an input unit connecting the actuators to a three-phase AC electricity network and to a control system. The input unit includes a transformation member arranged to transform the AC into DC at high voltage and connected to a bidirectional power line having connected in series therewith at least one protective switch, a communications interface, and at least one of the actuators. The communications interface is arranged and connected to a central unit to exchange signals over the power line with a signal communications interface of at least one of the actuators. The input unit also includes a charger/discharger unit that connects an energy store to the power line.