Aircraft Actuator Control Apparatus Using Test Orifice Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing aircraft actuator control apparatus requires multiple sensors and complex signal wiring for testing, leading to increased costs and complexity, and unreliable test results due to variations in pressure measurement conditions and measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a test orifice circuit with a test orifice that allows for performance testing of the orifice by comparing operating speeds when the state switching valve is in damping and test orifice positions, eliminating the need for additional sensors and simplifying the testing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test pressure sensors are installed respectively corresponding to the ports of a pair of oil chambers of an actuator to check normal operation, then the test capability is improved, but the number of sensors increases and the test mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a test orifice as a simplified copy/reference of the actual orifice in the state switching valve. Instead of installing multiple pressure sensors to measure oil chamber pressures, the system creates a test pathway through the state switching valve that allows pressure oil to flow through the orifice to a discharge port, where a single pressure sensor can detect pressure changes that indicate orifice functionality. This copying approach maintains test reliability while dramatically reducing sensor count and mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a test orifice circuit as an intermediary mechanism between the hydraulic system and the detection system. The test orifice circuit includes a test orifice, a discharge port, and a discharge passage that connects to a pressure sensor. This intermediary pathway allows the system to indirectly assess orifice performance by measuring pressure at the discharge port, rather than directly measuring pressures in multiple oil chambers with multiple sensors.
2Reliability
If multiple pressure sensors and signal wiring are added to perform tests, then the test coverage is improved, but the cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The state switching valve is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls the normal operation of the actuator by switching between different oil supply paths, provides damping function through the orifice, and simultaneously serves as a test mechanism when the test orifice circuit is activated. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated test components, reducing overall system cost and complexity while maintaining comprehensive verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (state switching valve, orifice, pressure oil supply) to perform self-diagnosis and self-testing. The test orifice circuit leverages the existing hydraulic pressure and valve mechanisms to create a test pathway, rather than requiring external test equipment or additional sensors. The system essentially tests itself using its own operational resources.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are installed to measure oil chamber pressures, then the measurement capability is improved, but measurement errors and variations increase due to different measurement conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The test orifice circuit is designed to create consistent measurement conditions by directing pressure oil through the orifice to a common discharge port. This establishes a standardized measurement point where pressure changes directly reflect orifice performance under controlled, repeatable conditions. The single pressure sensor at the discharge port measures pressure under consistent conditions, eliminating variations that would occur with multiple sensors measuring at different locations and conditions.
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 configuration reduces the number of sensors and testing complexity, providing a more reliable test result by directly using the test orifice to assess normal operation and efficiently fulfilling the damping function.
Implementation Method 1
the pair of oil chambers are in communication via this orifice, and thereby the damping function is fulfilled
Implementation Method 2
a test orifice circuit that includes a test orifice used for testing a performance of the orifice and that can be in communication with the actuator via the state switching valve
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of hydraulically operated actuators that drive a control surface and a plurality of control systems that respectively control the operation of the actuators are included. Each of the control systems includes a control valve, a state switching valve and a test orifice circuit. The test orifice circuit includes a test orifice used for testing the performance of an orifice. The state switching valve is provided such that its position can be switched between an actuator connection position, a damping position and a test orifice position.