Aircraft Power Control Unit Torque Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control units (PCUs) for aircraft high-lift systems are limited in their versatility and are primarily designed for short operational periods during takeoff and landing, lacking the capability to efficiently provide hydraulic pressure and mechanical torque for broader aircraft system applications.
Innovation Solution
A power control unit (PCU) that integrates an electric motor coupled with a differential output transmission and a hydraulic pump, along with a switchable transmission device that allows torque redirection between the motor, output transmission, and hydraulic pump, enabling the PCU to operate in both high-lift and hydraulic modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a PCU is designed solely for high-lift system operation, then it can provide sufficient torque for flap and slat actuators, but it cannot provide hydraulic pressure for other aircraft systems
Solution Approach 1:
The PCU is designed with a dual-output transmission system that can provide both mechanical torque for high-lift systems and hydraulic pressure for other aircraft systems. The transmission device can be configured to couple the motor to either the differential output transmission or the hydraulic pump, enabling a single unit to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission device incorporates switchable coupling mechanisms that can dynamically redirect torque flow based on operational requirements. The system can transition between providing mechanical drive to the differential transmission and providing torque to the hydraulic pump, allowing adaptive reconfiguration of the power transmission path according to aircraft system needs.
2Productivity
If a PCU operates only during takeoff and landing phases, then it serves the primary high-lift function, but it remains idle during cruise and cannot support additional hydraulic demands
Solution Approach 1:
The PCU integrates a hydraulic pump that can be activated independently of the high-lift system operation. During cruise or other phases where high-lift systems are not needed, the motor can drive the hydraulic pump to provide hydraulic pressure for landing gear, cargo door, or other hydraulic consumers, extending the productive operational duration of the motor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor continues to perform useful work beyond the traditional high-lift operational window. By coupling the motor to the hydraulic pump during cruise or idle phases, the system maintains continuous productive action, utilizing the motor's capability to drive hydraulic pressure generation for various aircraft systems throughout the entire flight cycle.
3Power
If separate hydraulic pumps are installed for additional hydraulic power, then hydraulic capacity is increased, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCU motor is designed to serve dual purposes: driving the differential output transmission for high-lift systems and driving the hydraulic pump for hydraulic power generation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate hydraulic pumps, as the same motor that powers the flaps and slats also provides hydraulic power when needed, reducing the total number of pumps in the aircraft system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the high-lift drive function and hydraulic power generation function into a single integrated PCU assembly. The motor, transmission device, differential output transmission, and hydraulic pump are combined in one unit, sharing common components and control systems. This consolidation achieves the hydraulic power capacity of multiple separate pumps while using only one motor and reducing overall system complexity.
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 enhanced PCU increases versatility by allowing hydraulic pressure and mechanical torque to be supplied for various aircraft components, such as high-lift devices and landing gears, without the need for additional hydraulic pumps, thereby improving the aircraft's hydraulic system capacity and reducing the number of electric motors required.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (38) that is configured to generate torque
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pump (42) that is operatively coupled to the motor so as to be driven by the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A power control unit configured to supply hydraulic pressure and mechanical torque. To this end, the power control unit includes an electric motor coupled to a differential output transmission and a hydraulic pump. A switchable transmission device allows the torque of the motor to be redirected either to the output transmission, e.g., to drive high-lift devices, or to the hydraulic pump, e.g., to extend or retract landing gears.