Ballscrew Assembly Visual Indicator for Rod Separation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current actuation systems in aircraft do not allow for visual inspection or non-invasive detection of fail-safe features in fail-safe ball screws without disassembly, making it difficult to detect structural separation of inner rods within the ballscrew.
Innovation Solution
A ballscrew assembly with a compression mechanism and visual indicator, or a proximity sensor, that detects inner rod separation by moving a visual indicator to a view port or triggering a proximity sensor when the inner rod fails, allowing for non-invasive detection of structural separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ballscrew assembly uses a fail-safe design with inner rod housed within the ballscrew, then safety is improved, but the ability to detect structural separation without disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A visual indicator is introduced as an intermediary element that translates the internal failure state of the inner rod into an externally visible signal. The indicator is positioned at a view port location, allowing operators to detect inner rod separation without disassembling the ballscrew assembly, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining safety through fail-safe design and enabling easy detection of structural separation.
2Volume of moving object
If the ballscrew assembly maintains a compact structure with inner rod housed within the ballscrew, then space efficiency is improved, but inspection capability without disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator serves as a mediator that enables inspection capability while maintaining the compact structure. By positioning the indicator at the view port location, the system allows external observation of the internal inner rod status without requiring disassembly, thus preserving both space efficiency and inspection ease.
3Measurement precision
If the compression mechanism is positioned between the enlarged end portion and the ballscrew, then failure detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator acts as a simplified intermediary that provides clear failure detection without adding significant complexity. The indicator's movement in response to inner rod separation creates a visible signal that enhances detection sensitivity while avoiding the need for complex sensing systems or additional mechanical components.
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
Enables improved detection of structural separation of the inner rod without disassembly, enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency by providing a clear visual indication or electronic detection of failure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring force forces an aft portion of the failed rod rearward toward the proximity sensor
Implementation Method 2
a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may be positioned behind the ballscrew. The assembly may be configured such that, in the event of inner rod separation, a spring force forces an aft portion of the failed rod rearward toward the proximity sensor and the sensor detect a failure condition
Data Source
AI summary
A ballscrew assembly for an actuator is provided. In an embodiment, the ballscrew assembly includes a ball nut assembly including a view port; a ballscrew provided within at least a portion of the ball nut assembly; an inner rod provided within the ballscrew in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the inner rod including an enlarged end portion; and a compression mechanism, such that at least a portion of the compression mechanism is provided between the enlarged end portion and the ballscrew. In another embodiment the assembly is configured such that when the inner rod is in a failed state, the compression mechanism provides a force that moves the visual indicator toward the view port. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a proximity sensor in addition to, or in lieu, of a view port to detect a failure.