Augmented Power Converter for Aircraft Actuators

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power converter systems for aircraft electromechanical actuators are heavy and occupy significant space, leading to reduced fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, and passenger capacity due to the weight and volume of power driver assemblies.

Innovation Solution

An augmented power converter system that converts three-phase input voltage to two-phase DC voltage and then to three-phase output voltage using a motor drive transformer, eliminating the need for multiple IGBTs and simplifying control systems by integrating functions within a motor drive circuit, thereby reducing weight and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional power driver assemblies with multiple IGBTs and separate AC/DC converter and DC to PWM motor control are used, then reliable motor operation is achieved, but weight and volume increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower driver assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the AC/DC power converter and DC to PWM motor control into a single integrated power driver assembly. The housing contains both the AC/DC converter circuitry and the DC to PWM motor control circuitry, eliminating the need for separate assemblies and reducing overall weight and volume while maintaining reliable motor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power driver assembly performs multiple functions within a single unit: it converts AC power to DC power, converts DC power to PWM signals, and controls motor operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and decreases the overall weight and volume of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional power driver assemblies with multiple IGBTs and separate AC/DC converter and DC to PWM motor control are used, then reliable motor operation is achieved, but occupied space within aircraft structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower driver assembly volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the AC/DC power converter and DC to PWM motor control into a single integrated power driver assembly. The housing contains both the AC/DC converter circuitry and the DC to PWM motor control circuitry, eliminating the need for separate assemblies and reducing overall weight and volume while maintaining reliable motor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple IGBTs and separate AC/DC converter and DC to PWM motor control are used, then complete power conversion and control functions are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion and control functionalityVSAvoidpower driver assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the AC/DC power converter and DC to PWM motor control into a single integrated power driver assembly. The housing contains both the AC/DC converter circuitry and the DC to PWM motor control circuitry, eliminating the need for separate assemblies and reducing overall weight and volume while maintaining reliable motor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 augmented power converter system is more efficient, lighter, and occupies less space, improving aircraft operations by reducing the weight and volume of power driver assemblies, enhancing fuel efficiency and capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a motor drive transformer to convert a two-phase DC voltage to a three-phase output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10122304B2Augmented power converter

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An augmented power converter may include a motor drive circuit. The motor drive circuit may include a motor drive transformer to convert a two-phase DC voltage to a three-phase output voltage for operating an electrical device. The motor drive circuit may also include a power control component for each phase of the two-phase voltage.