Blowdown Actuator Assembly With Gas Backup Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical linear actuators in aeronautical applications often require separate emergency systems that occupy additional space and hardware, lacking an integrated backup solution that can automatically decouple from normal drive configurations during failures.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly with an integrated emergency system that includes a gas generator and locking mechanism, allowing automatic decoupling from normal operation to extend a drive arm into a fully locked position using pressurized gas, enabling emergency operation regardless of the drive arm's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate emergency systems are provided to override mechanical linear drive systems, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency system is merged with the normal drive system by integrating the gas generator and locking mechanism into the existing actuator assembly. The release tube and locking ring share the same housing space, and the emergency system utilizes the existing ball screw and nut housing structure, eliminating the need for separate emergency assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball screw and nut housing serve dual functions: during normal operation, they provide the mechanical linear drive; during emergency, they serve as the structural framework for the gas generator and locking mechanism. The release tube acts as both a structural component and a guide for the emergency locking ring.
2Reliability
If separate emergency systems are provided with additional hardware, then reliability is improved, but the area and volume occupied increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency system components are nested within the existing actuator structure. The gas generator is positioned within the housing, the release tube is nested concentrically with the actuation tube, and the locking ring operates within the same spatial envelope as the normal drive components, maximizing space utilization.
3Device complexity
If an integrated emergency system is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but automatic decoupling reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency system is designed to automatically activate and decouple the normal drive components without external intervention. When the gas generator fires, the expanding gas automatically pushes the release tube, which in turn automatically engages the locking ring to lock the drive arm in place, ensuring reliable automatic decoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas generator uses rapid gas expansion to provide the force needed for automatic decoupling. The expanding gas acts on the release piston, which moves the release tube to engage the locking mechanism, providing a reliable and rapid automatic activation method that overcomes mechanical resistance.
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 system ensures reliable and space-efficient operation by automatically decoupling the actuator assembly's normal drive components, allowing for full extension and locking of the drive arm in emergency situations, even if failures occur during operation.
Implementation Method 1
an emergency system that includes a gas generator and locking mechanism, allowing automatic decoupling from normal operation to extend a drive arm into a fully locked position using pressurized gas
Data Source
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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.