Axial Solenoid-Piston Release Mechanism for Compact RAT Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking and unlocking mechanisms for ram air turbine (RAT) actuators are bulky and prone to wear, requiring large solenoids and complex linkages, which is undesirable in aircraft where weight and size reduction is essential while maintaining safety and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A compact release mechanism using a piston movable along an axis, biased by a spring, and actuated by a solenoid and solenoid spring, which blocks or allows axial movement of the lock bolt, replacing the need for extensive linkages and large solenoids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional linkage arrangement with large solenoid is used to unlock the lock bolt, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solenoid actuator directly with the piston that moves the lock bolt, eliminating the need for separate linkage components. The solenoid rod is directly connected to the piston, combining what were previously separate elements (solenoid, piston, links, joints) into an integrated assembly, thereby reducing weight and component count while maintaining the reliable locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary linkage arrangement (links, joints, mounting walls) from the conventional design. By removing these intermediate components and directly coupling the solenoid to the lock bolt via a simple piston, the design achieves weight reduction while preserving the essential locking and unlocking functionality
2Reliability
If a conventional linkage arrangement with large solenoid is used to unlock the lock bolt, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrated piston-cylinder-solenoid assembly. The piston is moveably received within the cylinder, and the solenoid is directly coupled to the piston, eliminating the need for separate links, joints, and mounting structures. This merging reduces device complexity from a multi-component linkage system to a compact integrated mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex linkage arrangement (including links, joints, and mounting walls) from the conventional design. By eliminating these intermediate components and using a direct solenoid-piston-lock bolt connection, the mechanism complexity is significantly reduced while maintaining reliable operation
3Reliability
If a conventional linkage arrangement is used to unlock the lock bolt, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the axial and radial space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solenoid actuator with the piston-cylinder assembly into a compact integrated unit. The solenoid is axially aligned with the piston, and both are received within or mounted to the cylinder, creating a space-efficient arrangement that minimizes both axial and radial dimensions compared to the conventional linkage system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reorganizes the component layout to optimize space utilization. By arranging the solenoid, piston, and cylinder in an axially aligned configuration rather than using extended linkages, the design reduces the overall volume occupied by the release mechanism in both axial and radial directions
4Reliability
If a conventional linkage arrangement is used to unlock the lock bolt, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the number of components and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components (solenoid, piston, links, joints, mounting walls) into a simplified integrated assembly. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked, while maintaining the essential locking and unlocking functionality
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 solution reduces component count, manufacturing costs, and size, providing a more reliable and compact deployment system without the need for complex linkages, enhancing safety and reliability in aircraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid and a solenoid spring arranged to cause the piston to move along the axis away from the one position and towards the other of the lock position and the release position
Implementation Method 2
bias means to bias the piston in one of the lock position and the release position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An actuator release mechanism comprising an axially moveable member such as a piston 39 biased in a first axial position by a bias spring 49 and driven to a second axial position by an actuation means such as a solenoid 41 arranged in substantially the same axis as the axially moveable member.