Distributed Landing Gear Architecture for Electromechanical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft landing gear systems with dedicated controllers and motor drive units for each electromechanical actuator (EMA) result in increased size, weight, and complexity, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies due to non-simultaneous operation of landing gear subsystems.
Innovation Solution
A distributed landing gear system architecture that shares resources, including a common controller, AC/DC converter, and braking resistor, with electric motors driven by shared motor drive units, allowing non-simultaneous operation of subsystems to reduce weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated controllers and motor drive units are provided for each electromechanical actuator (EMA), then the reliability and control precision of each landing gear subsystem is improved, but the system size, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated motor drive units into a single shared motor drive unit that can sequentially control multiple electromechanical actuators. The controller is configured to output commands to the shared motor drive unit, which then drives different motors at different times based on operational requirements. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining reliable control through centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared motor drive unit is designed with universal functionality to drive any of the multiple electromechanical actuators as needed. It can selectively power different motors (e.g., nose gear door motor, nose gear retraction-extension motor, main gear door motor, main gear brake motor) based on which subsystem requires actuation at any given moment, making a single component perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated units.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated controllers and motor drive units are provided for each electromechanical actuator (EMA), then the control precision of each subsystem is improved, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate motor drive units are merged into a single shared unit, directly reducing the total weight of the system. The shared motor drive unit incorporates all necessary control circuitry and power management capabilities in one location, eliminating the weight of redundant components that would exist if each actuator had its own dedicated drive unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated motor drive units are provided for each electromechanical actuator (EMA), then the operational independence of each subsystem is improved, but the number of parts and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate motor drive units into one shared unit, directly reducing the number of parts in the system. The controller manages the shared motor drive unit to provide sequential control to different actuators, maintaining operational independence through software-based control logic rather than hardware separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared motor drive unit is designed as a universal interface that can connect to and control any of the electromechanical actuators as needed. It provides the necessary drive signals and power management for different motors (nose gear door, nose gear retraction, main gear door, main gear brake) through a single multi-functional component, reducing part quantity while preserving operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling landing gear subsystems may comprise a controller and a first motor drive unit in operable communication with the controller. A first electric motor and a second electric motor may be in operable communication with the first motor drive unit. A second motor drive unit may be in operable communication with the controller. A third electric motor and a fourth electric motor may be in operable communication with the second motor drive unit. An AC/DC converter may be electrically coupled to the first drive unit and the second motor drive unit.