Ball Screw Actuator Backup Failure Detection Load Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators lack effective indication of backup component failures and may operate without functionality if primary components fail, making it difficult to determine if backup components have malfunctioned.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design includes a primary and secondary load path with a ball screw, rod, ball nut, and torque tube, along with biasing members and sensors to detect failures, ensuring continued functionality and providing indicators for component malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup component is added to the actuator, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into separate functional components: a primary load path (ball screw, ball nut, torque tube) and a secondary backup load path (rod, ball nut restraint, torque tube restraint). This segmentation allows independent operation of each path while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members change the mechanical state of the backup components by applying pre-load forces. When the primary components fail, the biasing members automatically transfer the load to the backup components through parameter changes in the stress distribution, enabling seamless failover.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and biasing members are added to detect backup component failures, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the backup load path components to provide real-time feedback on their operational status. The sensors detect parameters such as position, force, or movement of the backup components and transmit this information to the control system, enabling precise monitoring and early detection of backup component failures.
Solution Approach 2:
Biasing members serve as mechanical intermediaries that transmit force and position information between the backup components and the sensors. These biasing members amplify subtle changes in the backup component state, making them detectable by the sensors while maintaining a relatively simple sensor design.
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 solution enables continuous operation of the actuator even if primary components fail, with sensors detecting malfunctions and providing alerts, ensuring reliable performance and maintenance awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member disposed at least partially between a proximate end of the rod and a proximate end of the ball screw
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing member disposed at least partially between a distal end of the ball nut and an inner surface of the ball nut restraint
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a ball screw, a rod provided at least partially within the ball screw, a ball nut, a ball nut restraint, a first biasing member disposed at least partially between a proximate end of the rod and a proximate end of the ball screw, and a second biasing member disposed at least partially between a distal end of the ball nut and an inner surface of the ball nut restraint.