Eccentric Coupling for Aircraft Actuator Angular Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuator systems for aircraft, such as TRAS, require multiple separate actuators and additional fixation points, leading to increased weight, space requirements, and maintenance needs, as they struggle to accommodate angular movements without transferring forces to connected components, potentially causing 'force fighting' and damage.
Innovation Solution
An eccentric coupling with a ring-shaped housing and a moveable ring disk within it, allowing for two-dimensional eccentric movement, is introduced at the third fixation point to absorb forces transmitted from the inner rod to the outer rod, enabling angular movement without transferring loads to the connected cowl.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuator systems use multiple separate actuators and additional fixation points to accommodate angular movements, then the system can handle complex movements, but the weight, space requirements, and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single integrated actuator unit. The dual rod mechanism with eccentric coupling allows one actuator to perform the work that would otherwise require multiple separate actuators, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining the ability to accommodate angular movements of the cowl or flap.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with universal functionality to handle both linear movement and angular movement accommodation. The eccentric coupling mechanism provides multi-functionality by allowing the actuator to deploy/stow the cowl while simultaneously accommodating angular movements without requiring additional dedicated components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuator systems use multiple separate actuators and additional fixation points, then the system can accommodate angular movements, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a compact single actuator assembly. The dual rod mechanism with eccentric coupling is integrated in a way that reduces the overall volume occupied by the actuator system compared to using multiple separate actuators and fixation points distributed throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner rod is nested within the outer rod structure, and the eccentric coupling is integrated within the actuator housing. This nested arrangement allows the dual rod mechanism to occupy minimal space while still providing the full range of motion and angular movement accommodation capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuator systems use multiple separate actuators and additional fixation points, then the system can accommodate angular movements, but the maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator components into a single integrated unit with modular design. The eccentric coupling and dual rod mechanism are assembled as one complete assembly that can be installed and maintained as a single unit, reducing the number of separate maintenance operations required compared to multiple separate actuators and fixation points.
4Force
If conventional actuator systems transmit forces directly from inner rod to outer rod through fixation points, then the force transmission is direct, but force fighting and damage can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the inner rod and outer rod. Instead of direct force transmission through rigid fixation points, the eccentric coupling mediates the force transmission by allowing controlled relative movement, thereby eliminating force fighting while maintaining effective force transfer for actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static rigid fixation points to a dynamic eccentric coupling mechanism. The eccentric coupling allows the connection between inner and outer rods to move dynamically during operation, adapting to the changing geometric relationships and force vectors, thereby preventing force fighting and potential damage.
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
This solution allows for a compact dual rod actuator system to efficiently deploy and stow multiple cowls or flaps using a single unit, reducing weight, space, and maintenance needs by accommodating angular movements without inducing additional loads on the actuator.
Implementation Method 1
the moveable element is arranged in the housing such that it has freedom of movement within the housing in an eccentric path in two dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling e.g. for an actuator, comprises a housing which is preferably in the form of a ring mounted around the end of the outer rod and which can be mounted to a component e.g. a cowl being deployed. Within the housing of the coupling is provided a ring disk. This is sized and arranged within the housing such that there is some clearance between the ring disk and the housing so as to permit some eccentric movement.