Aircraft Independent Drive Synchronization Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft independent drive devices face challenges in efficiently coupling and decoupling motors with wheels during takeoff and landing due to high torque requirements and space constraints, especially when the aircraft needs to move without stopping, such as during runway departures.
Innovation Solution
An independent drive device with two complementary coupling members and a relative speed measurement system that synchronizes the rotation of the motor and wheel coupling members using a light transceiver and reflectors, allowing for seamless coupling and decoupling without stopping the aircraft by adjusting the motor speed to match the wheel speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If gearing is used between the motor and the wheel to reduce torque, then the motor weight can be reduced, but the motor may rotate at high speed during takeoff or landing which is incompatible with motor lifetime or dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is pre-positioned and the synchronization mechanism prepares the motor speed to match wheel speed before coupling occurs. This preliminary synchronization ensures that when the coupling engages, there is no speed differential to cause damaging rotation, thus protecting the motor while maintaining the weight benefits of gearing.
2Reliability
If a friction coupling member is used to disconnect the motor from the wheel, then the motor can be protected from high-speed rotation, but the high level of torque and lack of space make this solution unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary between the motor and wheel, providing a positive mechanical connection when engaged. The synchronization mechanism serves as a mediator that coordinates the speeds of both components before coupling, eliminating the need for friction-based disconnection while protecting the motor from damaging speeds.
3Power
If coupling members with obstacles such as a dog clutch are used to transfer high torque through a compact device, then torque transfer is efficient, but engaging coupling requires the aircraft to be stationary which prevents continuous movement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system transitions from a static engagement requirement to a dynamic synchronization process. The measurement means continuously monitors speed differences, and the control mechanism dynamically adjusts motor speed to match wheel speed, allowing coupling to occur during motion rather than requiring the aircraft to be stationary.
4Device complexity
If the motor is directly coupled to the wheel without synchronization, then the coupling can be simple, but the relative speed of rotation between coupling members causes damage during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement means provides feedback on the relative speed between coupling members, and the control mechanism uses this feedback to adjust the motor speed. This closed-loop control ensures that synchronization is achieved before coupling engagement, preventing damage while maintaining a relatively simple coupling structure.
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
Enables smooth, on-the-fly coupling and decoupling of the motor with the wheel, eliminating the need for the aircraft to stop, thereby enhancing operational flexibility and safety during taxiing and takeoff/landing phases.
Implementation Method 1
the synchronization means include a light transceiver and reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
An independent drive device for an aircraft, the drive device comprising a motor member, a drive mechanism for driving an aircraft wheel, which is adapted to co-operate with the wheel to drive it for rotation, and a coupling mechanism interposed between the motor member and the drive mechanism to selectively couple the wheel to the motor member. The coupling mechanism comprises two coupling members of complementary shape, comprising a first coupling member that rotates with the drive and a second coupling member that rotates with the motor member. The independent drive device includes measurement device for generating information representative of a relative speed of rotation of the second coupling member and the first coupling member. The drive device is associated with a motor controller that causes the motor to rotate so as to cancel the relative speed of rotation between the coupling members prior to coupling them together.