Axial Engagement-Controlled Variable Damper for Aircraft Nose Wheel Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft nose wheel actuators with fixed rotary dampers suffer from limited responsiveness and performance due to constant drag torque, which increases the size requirements of the nose wheel actuator.
Innovation Solution
An axial engagement-controlled variable damper system that adjusts magnetic coupling between the stator and rotor assembly by axially moving a flux sleeve or rotor assembly, allowing for variable drag torque generation based on the position of these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed damping coefficient is used in the rotary damper, then the structure is simple, but the responsiveness and performance are limited due to constant drag torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the damping coefficient variable rather than fixed. The rotor assembly can be axially positioned at different locations (first location, second location, or intermediate locations) between the stator poles, allowing the magnetic coupling and resulting drag torque to vary dynamically. This enables the damper to adapt its damping characteristic based on operational requirements, improving responsiveness without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the axial position of the rotor assembly relative to the stator, which changes the magnetic coupling parameter. By moving the rotor axially between different positions, the drag torque parameter is adjusted - stronger coupling at certain positions provides higher damping when needed, while reduced coupling at other positions allows for lower damping and improved responsiveness.
2Volume of moving object
If a fixed damping coefficient is used in the rotary damper, then the device size can be smaller, but the performance is limited due to constant drag torque
Solution Approach 1:
The variable damping capability allows the system to optimize performance across different operating conditions without requiring a larger actuator. By dynamically adjusting the rotor position and corresponding damping coefficient, the actuator can deliver high performance when needed while maintaining a compact size, as the same hardware provides both high-damping and low-damping modes through positional variation rather than requiring multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single rotary damper device multi-functional by enabling it to operate in multiple damping modes through axial position variation. The same rotor-stator assembly can provide strong magnetic coupling for high damping or reduced magnetic coupling for low damping, making the device universally applicable across different performance requirements without increasing physical size.
3Device complexity
If constant drag torque is generated, then the damper structure is simple, but efficiency is reduced due to inability to adapt to varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability through axial position adjustment of the rotor assembly. This allows the system to adapt the damping coefficient to match actual operational conditions, reducing energy loss by applying appropriate damping levels rather than constant high damping. The control mechanism remains relatively simple, utilizing axial movement rather than complex multi-axis control systems.
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 enhances the responsiveness and performance of the nose wheel actuator by varying drag torque, reducing the size requirements and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the flux sleeve is configured to alter magnetic coupling between the stator with the rotor assembly in response being moved axially
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnet electric machine configured to create drag on the nose wheel actuator through rotation of a motor shaft and permanent magnet assembly about an electromagnetic stator
Implementation Method 3
The rotary damper may comprise a permanent magnet electric machine configured to create drag on the nose wheel actuator through rotation of a motor shaft and permanent magnet assembly about an electromagnetic stator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an axial engagement-controlled variable damper comprising a rotor assembly coupled to a rotor shaft and disposed about an axis of rotation and a stator, coaxially aligned with the rotor assembly. The axial engagement-controlled variable damper may further comprise a flux sleeve, axially movable relative to the rotor assembly between at least a first position and a second position. The flux sleeve may comprise a circumferential flange portion disposed radially between the rotor assembly and the stator, and may be configured to alter magnetic coupling between the stator and the rotor assembly in response being moved axially. The axial-engagement controlled variable damper may be configured to generate a first drag torque in response to the flux sleeve being in the first position and a second drag torque in response to the flux sleeve being in the second position.