Aircraft Generator Clutch Control for Smooth Gear Shift Frequency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large rotational frequency fluctuations in power output from aircraft engines cause instability in electric power generation, as existing solutions like manual transmissions result in sudden changes that exceed the response ability of downstream continuously variable transmissions, leading to unstable electric power generation.
Innovation Solution
A controller for an electric power generating apparatus with a manual transmission that uses a friction clutch actuated by an actuator to switch gear stages, maintaining the clutch in a half-engaged state during speed changes, allowing for gentle output rotational frequency adjustments and stabilizing power input to the electric power generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual transmission is used to narrow the rotational frequency fluctuation range, then the rotational frequency range is narrowed, but the output rotational frequency changes suddenly at shift-up/shift-down
Solution Approach 1:
The friction clutch is designed to transition dynamically between engaged and disengaged states, passing through a half-engaged state during gear shifts. This dynamic transition allows the output rotational frequency to change gradually rather than suddenly, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction clutch acts as an intermediary element between the input and output shafts of the manual transmission. By controlling the clutch pressure to create a half-engaged state, it mediates the sudden rotational frequency changes that would otherwise occur during gear shifts, allowing smooth transitions while maintaining the narrowed frequency range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the continuously variable transmission speed change range is increased to handle large rotational frequency fluctuations, then the rotational frequency can be adjusted appropriately, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into two functional parts: a manual transmission that provides discrete gear stages to narrow the rotational frequency range, and a continuously variable transmission that provides continuous adjustment within that narrowed range. This segmentation allows the CVT to remain compact while still handling large overall frequency fluctuations through the combination with the manual transmission.
3Productivity
If the friction clutch is fully engaged for gear switching, then the gear stage switches quickly, but the output rotational frequency changes suddenly
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control system dynamically adjusts the clutch pressure during gear transitions, creating a controlled half-engaged state that allows smooth power transfer. This dynamic control maintains both productivity by enabling relatively quick gear changes and stability by preventing sudden rotational frequency changes.
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 prevents momentary rotational frequency fluctuations and stabilizes electric power generation by controlling clutch pressure based on load and rotational frequency, ensuring a constant input frequency to the electric power generator even with large rotational frequency fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a friction clutch pressed by an actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power generation controller for use in an aircraft is a controller of an electric power generating apparatus including a manual transmission configured to change speed of rotational power of an aircraft engine, transmit the rotational power to an electric power generator, and switch a gear stage by a friction clutch pressed by an actuator. The electric power generation controller includes a manual transmission control section configured to control the manual transmission. The manual transmission control section includes: a shift command section configured to output a shift signal which switches the gear stage of the manual transmission; and a clutch control section configured to, when switching the gear stage of the manual transmission, control clutch pressure of the actuator such that the friction clutch becomes a half-engaged state.