Deformable Rod End Cover for Axial Slot Water Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rod end designs for linear actuators in aircraft systems allow water ingress through axial slots, leading to potential damage due to freezing, as water accumulates inside the actuator components.
Innovation Solution
A rod end assembly featuring a deformable cover with a cylindrical skirt and axial splits that can be retro-fitted to existing systems, shielding the axial slot and preventing water entry by deforming to fit over the rod eye and securing with straps or clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hollow cylindrical shaft with an axial slot is used to allow the rod end to move axially relative to the piston rod, then the rod end can accommodate flexure in the panels, but water can enter the internal cavity of the hollow shaft and accumulate in the rod end, piston rod or actuator
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the external environment and the internal cavity of the rod end assembly. The cover includes a body portion that fits over the hollow cylindrical shaft and a deformable collar that can be elastically deformed to snap over the rod eye, creating a sealing barrier that prevents water from entering through the axial slot while allowing the rod end to maintain its axial movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The collar of the cover is designed as a flexible, deformable component that can be elastically stretched or compressed during installation. This flexibility allows the collar to be deformed radially inward to fit over the rod eye and then snap into place, creating a tight seal that prevents water ingress while accommodating the structural requirements of the rod end assembly
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a deformable cover with axial splits is used to prevent water entry, then water ingress is blocked, but the cover must be deformed during assembly which complicates the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with dynamic deformability, allowing it to change shape during the assembly process. The axial splits enable the collar to be elastically deformed radially inward to fit over the rod eye, then naturally spring back to its original circular shape to create a tight seal. This dynamic behavior simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for specialized tools or complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable collar utilizes its own elastic properties to facilitate assembly. When radially inward force is applied to deform the collar, it automatically snaps into place over the rod eye and maintains its sealed position without requiring additional fastening mechanisms, locking devices, or external assistance. The collar essentially assembles itself through its elastic deformation and recovery characteristics
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cover for a rod end of an actuator. The cover comprises a mounting collar for surrounding and mounting to a portion of the rod end. The collar is deformable such that it may be mounted over a rod eye mounted to the rod end. The cover further comprises a shield extending from the collar and shaped such that when attached to the rod end the shield shields a portion of rod end to prevent fluid or foreign object ingress to the rod end. Also disclosed is a rod end assembly comprising a rod end and a cover mounted thereto and a method of assembling and retro-fitting a rod end and cover.