Connecting Rod Sensor Mounting for Flight Control Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight control surface actuation systems require position sensors to be integrated within rotary actuators, making them difficult to access and replace, and limiting the accuracy of force measurements due to internal friction.
Innovation Solution
A connecting rod assembly with a position sensor and load sensor mounted on the connecting rod, allowing for the measurement of angular displacement and force exerted along the rod, which transmits signals wirelessly or through wired connections to a flight control computer or electronic control unit, eliminating the need for sensors within the rotary actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If position sensors are integrated within rotary actuators, then the actuator structure is compact, but the sensors become difficult to access and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the rotary actuator and the position sensor are physically separated and mounted on different components (actuator housing and connecting rod respectively). This segmentation allows the sensor to be accessed and replaced independently without disassembling the actuator, while the actuator maintains its compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod serves as an intermediary component that carries the position sensor and transmits mechanical motion from the actuator to the flight control surface. By mounting the sensor on the connecting rod rather than inside the actuator, the system gains sensor accessibility while maintaining actuator compactness.
2Ease of repair
If position sensors are mounted on the connecting rod, then sensor access and replacement is easier, but the actuator structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is given multiple functions: it transmits mechanical motion from the actuator to the flight control surface, and it serves as a mounting platform for the position sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures, thereby avoiding additional complexity in the actuator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting function is merged with the connecting rod structure. Instead of adding separate sensor housings or mounting mechanisms to the actuator, the design combines the sensor attachment directly to the existing connecting rod, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Device complexity
If position sensors are integrated within rotary actuators, then the system structure is simplified, but measurement precision is reduced due to internal friction
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod acts as an intermediary that carries the position sensor away from the actuator's internal friction zone. The sensor measures the position of the connecting rod, which is directly coupled to the actuator output but experiences minimal friction interference, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensor is extracted from the actuator's internal environment where it would be subject to high friction and thermal effects. By relocating the sensor to the connecting rod, the measurement function is separated from the high-stress actuator interior, improving measurement accuracy while the overall system structure remains simple.
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 configuration simplifies sensor access and replacement, reduces actuator size, and provides accurate dynamic feedback for controlling flight control surfaces, improving system efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the position sensor may be arranged to measure a rotation of the connecting rod relative to a rotary actuator. As such, the sensor may be a rotation sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The load sensor may be able to measure both compressive and tensile forces along the rod.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting rod assembly for a flight control surface actuation system, the assembly comprising a connecting rod for connecting a flight control surface to a rotary actuator and a position sensor mounted to the connecting rod for sensing the position of the connecting rod relative to a rotary actuator.