Dual Actuator System with Dynamic Force Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven movement systems for movable elements, such as aircraft rudder systems, face issues with actuator wear and bulkiness due to uneven force distribution and the need for high maximum force capabilities, leading to quick wear and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven movement system with two actuators, each capable of driving the movable element independently, and a central control unit that shares force control between them to prevent excessive stress, allowing either actuator to handle the load in case of failure, thereby extending actuator lifespan and reducing weight and bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one actuator is used as main actuator and the other as emergency actuator, then the system can handle failures, but the main actuator wears quickly due to continuous use
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different actuator configurations based on operational needs. During normal operation, both actuators work simultaneously with shared force control. In failure scenarios, the system adapts by using one actuator alone, thereby extending the service life of individual actuators while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control of actuator force is segmented and distributed. Instead of one actuator bearing the full load, the control means divides the force requirement between two actuators, with each contributing a portion of the total force needed to move the movable element, thereby reducing wear on each individual actuator.
2Reliability
If actuators are dimensioned to develop maximum force over very long periods, then reliability is improved, but the actuators become heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator sizing is optimized based on dynamic operational requirements rather than static maximum force requirements. Since the system can distribute force between two actuators during normal operation and switch to one actuator in failure modes, each actuator can be sized for a portion of the maximum force rather than the full maximum force, reducing weight while maintaining reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the emergency actuator remains inactive during normal operation, then it does not consume energy, but it generates opposing force that the main actuator must overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency actuator transitions from a static inactive state to an active force-sharing state during normal operation. The control means dynamically adjusts the force output of both actuators, allowing the emergency actuator to contribute positively to the movement while maintaining energy efficiency, thereby eliminating the opposing force problem.
4Duration of action of moving object
If both actuators are used simultaneously to drive the movable element, then the force load on each actuator is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the force output and position of both actuators, automatically adjusting their individual force contributions to maintain optimal load distribution. This feedback-based control manages the complexity of coordinating two actuators while maximizing their combined effectiveness and extending their operational lifespan.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a motor-driven movement system for moving a movable element, the system comprising at least two actuators, each provided with means connecting it to the movable element and each dimensioned to be capable, on its own, of driving the movable element, a central control unit being connected to the two actuators in order to be capable of sending a position setpoint (Pos1, Pos2) to one or other of the actuators. According to the invention, the system further comprises control means for simultaneously controlling both actuators in terms of force in response to the position setpoint sent to one of the actuators. The invention also provides a method of driving such a system and a method of testing such a system.