Dual Drive Engagement for Redundant Vehicle Control Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements for vehicle control surfaces lack redundancy in case of malfunction or failure, relying on a single drive that can lead to system failure and loss of control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dual drive systems with selective engagement mechanisms, such as Hirth joints, friction clutches, epicyclic gearboxes, and strain wave-type gearboxes, allowing for simultaneous engagement and disengagement of drives to ensure continued operation even if one fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single drive arrangement is used for vehicle control surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy in case of malfunction or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into multiple independent drive units (first drive and second drive), each capable of independently actuating the output member. This segmentation provides redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different drive configurations through selective engagement mechanisms. The engaging means allow the system to transition between single-drive operation, dual-drive operation, and single-drive backup modes based on operational requirements and failure conditions.
2Reliability
If dual drive systems with selective engagement mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging means serves multiple functions: it selectively engages/disengages drives, provides mechanical grounding, enables friction-based control, and facilitates redundancy activation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple engagement mechanisms (Hirth joints, friction clutches, epicyclic gearboxes, strain wave gearboxes) into an integrated selective engagement system that manages both drives and their connection to the output member through a unified architecture.
3Reliability
If drives are mechanically grounded and selectively engageable, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex engagement control
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging means is configured to automatically respond to drive failure conditions through mechanical feedback and friction-based mechanisms, reducing the need for complex external control systems and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates mechanical feedback through the engagement mechanisms that detect drive status and automatically adjust engagement states, enabling reliable takeover without complex electronic control or operator intervention.
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
Provides redundancy and ensures continuous functionality of vehicle control surfaces by enabling one drive to take over if the other fails, optimizing performance and maintaining control.
Implementation Method 1
first friction material configured to constrain movement of the first ring gear when engaged, the second friction material configured to constrain movement of the second ring gear when engaged
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive arrangement for manipulating a vehicle control surface, comprises: a first drive; a second drive; an output member for connecting to the vehicle control surface; first engaging means for selectively engaging and disengaging the first drive and the output member; and second engaging means for selectively engaging and disengaging the second drive and the output member, wherein the first engaging means comprises a first epicyclic gearbox.