Actuator Position Sensing Without Reduction Gearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuator systems for position sensing, such as those used in aircraft horizontal stabilizers, require complex and bulky reduction gear mechanisms, leading to inaccuracies and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of position sensing in two parallel transmission paths with different ratios, providing the difference between their outputs to a position sensor, eliminates the need for reduction gearing and simplifies the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reduction gear mechanism is used for position sensing in conventional actuator systems, then the position can be monitored, but the system becomes complex, bulky, and prone to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the reduction gear mechanism from the position sensing system. By directly coupling the sensor wheel to the screw shaft without intermediate reduction gearing, the system removes the source of complexity and inaccuracy while maintaining position sensing capability through direct measurement of the screw shaft rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reduction gear mechanism with a direct sensing approach. Instead of using mechanical gears to convert motion, the system uses a sensor wheel directly coupled to the screw shaft, eliminating mechanical complexity and improving measurement accuracy through direct coupling
2Reliability
If a reduction gear mechanism is used for position sensing, then position monitoring is achieved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reduction gear mechanism from the assembly, significantly simplifying manufacturing. The direct coupling of the sensor wheel to the screw shaft eliminates multiple manufacturing steps, component sourcing, and assembly operations required for gear mechanisms, while maintaining position monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position sensing function directly into the actuator assembly by coupling the sensor wheel directly to the screw shaft. This integration eliminates the need for separate reduction gear components and their associated manufacturing processes, simplifying both production and assembly
3Device complexity
If parallel transmission paths with different ratios are used, then the system becomes simpler and more accurate, but the initial design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the position sensing function into two parallel transmission paths with different ratios. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently while their combined output provides enhanced accuracy through differential measurement, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision
Data Source
AI summary
The system of the present disclosure provides two or more sensors located on two parallel transmission or kinematic paths having different ratios with respect to the actuator position. Each sensor provides a different position measurement output and the difference between the sensor outputs provides a reduced indication of the position of the actuator/moved component. Integrating sensors in the reduction path avoids the need for the reduction gear mechanism.