Control Surface Load Simulation via Spring Reaction Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control surface load simulation apparatuses face challenges in accurately applying and matching compressive and tensile loads due to the simultaneous operation of two actuators, leading to potential deviations and increased complexity in rigging, which can result in damage to test specimens and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A control surface load simulation apparatus that incorporates a reaction force providing structure using a combination of springs and movable components, allowing a single actuator to apply loads by compressing or tensioning springs in response to the control surface's displacement, thereby eliminating the need for synchronized actuator operations and simplifying the rigging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two actuators operate simultaneously to apply compressive and tensile loads, then the control surface load simulation can be performed, but load deviation occurs and the rigging becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts one of the two actuators from the system and replaces it with a spring-based reaction force providing structure. This eliminates the need for synchronized operation of two actuators, thereby removing the complexity of actuator coordination while maintaining the capability to apply both compressive and tensile loads through the remaining actuator and spring mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based reaction force providing structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts the single actuator's motion into bidirectional load application. The spring stores and releases energy to provide the reaction force necessary for simulating control surface loads, mediating between the actuator and the control surface to eliminate load deviation
2Ease of operation
If one actuator is replaced with a spring-based reaction force structure, then the rigging becomes simpler, but the accuracy of load application may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based reaction force providing structure incorporates feedback through the spring's elastic deformation. As the actuator moves, the spring compresses or extends proportionally, automatically adjusting the reaction force to match the applied load. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate load application while maintaining simple rigging, as the spring naturally compensates for position variations
3Adaptability or versatility
If two actuators are used to apply loads, then the control surface load simulation is comprehensive, but the risk of damage to test specimen increases due to load deviation
Solution Approach 1:
By removing one actuator and replacing it with a passive spring-based reaction force structure, the invention eliminates the source of load deviation that occurs when two active actuators operate simultaneously. The spring mechanism passively responds to the actuator's motion, ensuring that the applied load and reaction force are always balanced, thereby preventing test specimen damage while maintaining comprehensive load simulation capability
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 solution enables precise simulation of control surface loads with improved accuracy and ease of maintenance by allowing the reaction force providing structure to respond immediately to the control surface's displacement, reducing the risk of load deviations and simplifying the apparatus's configuration.
Implementation Method 1
one or more springs respectively disposed between the pair of stators and the mover may be compressed or tensioned according to displacement of the control surface
Implementation Method 2
the reaction force providing structure may include a plurality of springs, and when the actuator applies a certain load to the control surface, the reaction force providing structure may be compressed or tensioned accordingly to apply a reaction force corresponding to the load to the control surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a control surface load simulation apparatus including a reaction force providing structure. The control surface load simulation apparatus includes a first support surface, a second support surface apart from the first support surface in a height direction, a control surface located between the first support surface and the second support surface, an actuator connected to the second support surface and configured to apply a certain load to the control surface, and a reaction force providing structure connected to the first support surface and the control surface to be movable relative to the first support surface and the control surface, the reaction force providing structure being configured to apply a reaction force corresponding to the load to the control surface.