Blowdown Actuator Assembly With Integrated Emergency Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical linear actuators in aeronautical applications often require separate emergency systems that occupy additional space and hardware, as failures in the drive system can lead to catastrophic consequences, necessitating an integrated emergency backup system within the actuator assembly.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly with an integrated emergency backup system that includes an electro-mechanical drive system and a gas generator, where pressurized gas automatically decouples the actuation member from the release member during emergencies, allowing the actuator to move to a predetermined position and mechanically lock in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate emergency system is provided to override the mechanical linear drive system during failures, then the reliability of the actuator assembly is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency system is merged with the normal drive system by integrating the release tube, release lever, and locking mechanism into the same actuator assembly. The release tube integrates with the ball nut and drive arm, while the release lever integrates with the cover tube and locking channel, creating a unified structure that performs both normal and emergency functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated components serve multiple functions: the release tube functions as both a normal drive element and an emergency release mechanism; the release lever serves as both a normal operation component and an emergency locking component; the locking channel provides both normal positioning and emergency locking capabilities.
2Reliability
If a separate emergency system is provided to override the mechanical linear drive system during failures, then the reliability of the actuator assembly is improved, but the space and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency system components are merged with the normal drive system components, eliminating the need for separate assemblies. The release tube, release lever, and locking mechanism are integrated into the existing actuator structure, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining emergency functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator assembly includes an integrated emergency system with automatic decoupling mechanism, then the ease of operation during emergencies is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency system operates automatically without requiring external intervention. When the drive system fails, the release lever automatically engages with the locking channel and the release tube decouples from the drive arm, enabling emergency operation through self-activating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the drive system and the locking mechanism. It translates the failure condition into automatic engagement with the locking channel, facilitating smooth emergency operation.
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 integrated emergency backup system ensures safe and reliable operation by automatically decoupling the actuator components during failures, allowing for emergency extension and locking of critical systems like landing gear, regardless of the stroke position, without the need for additional space or hardware.
Implementation Method 1
A blow down actuator assembly includes an actuation member, a release member, and a source of pressurized gas
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly includes an actuation member, a release member, and a source of pressurized gas, wherein during a normal mode of operation, the actuation member and the release member are engaged to move in unison, and wherein during an emergency mode of operation, pressurized gas automatically decouples the actuation member from the release member to move separately. In accordance with yet other aspects of the present disclosure, an electro-mechanical actuator includes an electro-mechanical drive system and an integrated backup system operated by a gas generator, wherein when the backup system is activated, the electro-mechanical drive system is decoupled, and the actuator moves to a predetermined position and mechanically locks in place.