Control Surface Actuator Gust Lock for Unpowered Load Holding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator assemblies in UAM/light aircraft are susceptible to gust loads when unpowered, requiring a lightweight, automated, and cost-effective gust lock that does not continuously draw current from the aircraft batteries.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly incorporating a gust lock with a lock shaft, lock rotor, lock motor, and linear actuator, which moves between locked and unlocked positions to prevent or allow rotation of the drive source, using a lock drive torque supplied by an electrically energized lock motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gust lock is implemented to prevent rotation of the drive source, then the control surfaces are protected against gust loads, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gust lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a lock shaft coupled to the drive source, a lock rotor on the lock shaft, a lock motor for actuation, and a linear actuator for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and maintenance of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gust lock is designed to engage automatically or pre-positioned before gust loads occur. The lock shaft and lock rotor are pre-configured to engage with the drive source, and the linear actuator is positioned to engage the lock rotor when needed, providing protection in advance rather than reacting after gust damage occurs.
2Ease of operation
If the gust lock is electrically operated to be automated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous current draw
Solution Approach 1:
The lock motor operates periodically rather than continuously. It is electrically energized only when needed to actuate the linear actuator for engaging or disengaging the lock, rather than continuously drawing current. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining automated operation capability through controller-based activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gust lock system is designed to be self-servicing through its automated actuation mechanism. The controller automatically activates the lock motor and linear actuator based on system state, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing continuous power requirements by only consuming energy when state changes are needed.
3Weight of moving object
If the gust lock components are made lightweight and compact, then the weight and volume are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes parameters such as the dimensions of the lock shaft, lock rotor engagement features, and linear actuator geometry to achieve the lightest possible weights while maintaining functional precision. By carefully selecting and optimizing these parameters during the design phase, the system achieves lightweight construction without compromising the precision needed for reliable engagement and disengagement operations.
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
Provides a lightweight, low-cost, and energy-efficient solution to lock control surfaces against gust loads, ensuring the actuator assembly remains in the last commanded position without continuous power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The lock motor is configured, upon being electrically energized, to supply a lock drive torque
Implementation Method 2
The lock drive screw is coupled to receive the lock drive torque and is configured, upon receipt of the lock drive torque, to rotate. The lock drive nut is mounted on the lock drive screw and is configured to translate, when the lock drive screw rotates
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly includes an actuator drive source and a gust lock. The actuator drive source is operable to supply an actuator drive torque to drive a component. The gust lock is movable between a locked position, in which rotation of the drive source is prevented, and an unlocked position, in which rotation of the drive source is not prevented. The gust lock includes a lock shaft, a lock rotor, a lock motor, and a linear actuator. The lock shaft is rotatable with the drive source when the gust lock is in the unlocked position. The lock rotor is rotatable with the lock shaft. The lock motor is configured to supply a lock drive torque. The linear actuator is coupled to receive the lock drive torque and is configured, upon receipt of the lock drive torque, to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position.