Actuator Assembly Retainer for Position Sensor Fail-Safe Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator assemblies in aerospace applications lack safety features to prevent catastrophic failures due to single part failures, particularly in position sensors.

Innovation Solution

An actuator assembly with a retainer mechanism that limits axial movement between the position sensor parts and the actuator housing in case of unfixed connections, ensuring multiple sensors can function independently to prevent catastrophic events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a position sensor is fixed to the actuator housing, then the sensor can accurately measure the position of the actuator rod, but the sensor may become unfixed due to single part failures leading to catastrophic events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor fixation reliabilityVSAvoidcatastrophic failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is pre-installed in the actuator housing to provide backup support for the position sensor. If the primary fixing mechanism fails, the retainer immediately prevents the sensor from becoming unfixed, cushioning against catastrophic failure before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer provides localized support at specific positions within the actuator housing, creating redundant fixation points. This local reinforcement ensures that even if one fixation point fails, other retention points maintain sensor stability and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the retainer limits axial movement of the position sensor, then sensor functionality is maintained during failure, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionality during failureVSAvoidactuator assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is integrated into the actuator housing structure, merging the retention function with the existing housing design. This combination approach adds the safety function without requiring a completely separate, complex retention mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer serves multiple functions: it limits axial movement of the position sensor, provides mechanical support, and acts as a fail-safe mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4693841A1Actuator assembly

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 GOODRICH ACTUATION SYST

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AI summary

An actuator assembly (2) is provided which comprises: a linear actuator (4) comprising an actuator rod (8) and an actuator housing (6). The actuator rod (8) is configured to move axially relative to the actuator housing (6). The actuator assembly (2) also comprises a position sensor (30) comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is axially fixed relative to the actuator housing (6), and wherein the second part is configured to move with the actuator rod (8). The actuator assembly (2) also comprises a retainer (100) configured to limit axial movement between the first part and the actuator housing (6) in the event that the first part becomes unfixed relative to the actuator housing (6).