Dual-Concentric Control Valve for Jammed Spool Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft flight control systems are prone to failure due to their complex nature and continuous use, leading to potential loss of control or catastrophic events, particularly in the case of jammed or stuck flight control components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a direct drive, dual concentric valve actuator (D3V actuator) with multiple motor assemblies and a redundant spool system, where the secondary spool can override a jammed primary spool, ensuring continuous operation and failure tolerance through selective fluid path alteration and motor position feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex flight control system with multiple components is used to achieve precise control, then control precision is improved, but the system becomes more prone to failure due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control system is divided into independent modular components including multiple motor assemblies (first and second motors), separate spools (primary and secondary spools), and distinct valve bodies. Each module can operate independently or in conjunction with others, allowing the system to maintain functionality even when individual components fail, thus resolving the contradiction between control precision and system reliability.
2Reliability
If redundant components are added to improve reliability, then failure tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested concentric spool configuration where the secondary spool is positioned inside the primary spool, sharing a common central axis. This nested arrangement allows redundant components to be integrated within the same spatial envelope rather than adding external complexity. The secondary spool can override the primary spool when needed, providing failure tolerance while maintaining a compact, integrated structure.
3Device complexity
If direct drive control is implemented to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The direct drive control system incorporates feedback mechanisms through position sensors that monitor the rotational position of the spools and motors. This feedback is fed back to the flight control computer, which adjusts control signals to maintain precise positioning. The feedback loop ensures that direct drive control achieves the same precision as indirect drive systems while maintaining mechanical simplicity and reducing component complexity.
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
The D3V actuator provides reliable and redundant control over rotor blade pitch, maintaining aircraft stability even in the event of motor failure, by allowing the secondary spool to take over and ensuring continuous fluid path alteration, thus preventing loss of control.
Implementation Method 1
a first motor assembly and a second motor assembly, each comprising a motor
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid path from a first port to a second port and a second fluid path from a third port to a fourth port
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include providing an aircraft with a direct drive dual-concentric valve (D3V) having a body, an outer secondary spool coaxially located within a bore of the body and linearly displaceable relative to the body, an inner primary spool coaxially located within a bore of the secondary spool and linearly displaceable relative to the secondary spool and the body. A plurality of piezo stacks is coupled to a first end of the primary spool, and applying a voltage to at least one of the piezo stacks causes an output stroke of the plurality of the piezo strokes for displacing the primary spool. The secondary spool is displaced together with the primary spool relative to the body if displacement of the primary spool relative to the secondary spool cannot occur.