Actuator Assembly Wall Portion Shape Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator assemblies for fluid flow control, such as those used in aircraft aerfoils, face issues with thermal problems, flow losses, and undesirable vibration modes due to mechanical amplification, leading to inefficiencies and wear, especially at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly with a rigid wall portion designed to adapt to the cavity and opening geometry, allowing for periodic translational movement driven by a coupling element, minimizing pressure and flow losses by maintaining a consistent distance between the wall and cavity, and utilizing piezoelectric actuators for efficient energy transfer without direct force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical amplification is used to achieve high ejection speeds, then ejection speed is improved, but thermal problems and flow losses worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical amplification systems with piezoelectric actuators that directly generate the required wall portion displacement. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical amplification mechanisms, thereby reducing thermal losses and flow losses while maintaining high ejection speeds through direct piezoelectric actuation of the cavity wall.
2Speed
If mechanical amplification is used to achieve high ejection speeds, then ejection speed is improved, but undesirable vibration modes worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical amplification systems with piezoelectric actuators that directly generate the required wall portion displacement. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical amplification mechanisms, thereby reducing thermal losses and flow losses while maintaining high ejection speeds through direct piezoelectric actuation of the cavity wall.
3Force
If the wall portion is moved directly by the actuator, then force transmission is improved, but wear and thermal issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary between the piezoelectric actuator and the cavity wall. This coupling element transmits the actuator's motion to the wall portion while allowing for optimized force distribution and reduced direct contact, thereby minimizing wear and thermal losses in the actuation system.
4Speed
If high operating frequency is used to achieve high ejection speed, then ejection speed is improved, but electrical and thermal losses worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using piezoelectric actuators that can achieve high ejection speeds at lower frequencies compared to traditional mechanical systems. The piezoelectric material's inherent properties allow for efficient energy conversion at reduced frequencies, thereby decreasing electrical and thermal losses while maintaining high ejection performance.
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
The solution achieves compact, robust, and reliable flow control with minimal losses, enabling high ejection speeds at low frequencies while preventing thermal issues and vibration-related wear, thus enhancing the efficiency and longevity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing piezoelectric actuators for efficient energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly is capable of manipulating a fluid flowing around a flow body, the fluid being received or able to be received in a volume of at least one cavity arranged in the flow body, and the fluid passing through at least one opening in the at least one cavity during manipulation of the fluid. In this process, the volume of the at least one cavity can be changed by moving a wall portion delimiting or defining the cavity. The actuator assembly has a drive unit with at least one actuator, which executes a periodic movement over time when actuated, causing a translational movement of the wall portion delimiting or defining the cavity and the wall portion being shaped in terms the topology thereof in such a way that it is adapted to the shape of the at least one cavity with the at least one opening thereof.