Electric Braking Circuit for Thrust Reverser Actuator Overspeed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reversal systems for aircraft nacelles rely on heavy, bulky, and costly mechanical braking means to prevent overspeed and ensure safety, which are prone to wear and risk mechanical damage.
Innovation Solution
An electric control system for thrust reversers with electromechanical actuating members that employs an electric braking electronic circuit to manage and regulate the speed of the electric driving unit, eliminating the need for mechanical braking means by using an electric braking circuit to control the actuator's speed and position, thereby preventing overspeed and ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical braking means are used to control the electric turning machine, then safety against overspeed is improved, but device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical braking means with an electronic control system that uses the electric turning machine's own electromagnetic characteristics to provide braking action. The control unit regulates the electrical supply to the motor, using electrical fields rather than mechanical contact to control speed and provide braking, thereby eliminating mechanical brakes and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric turning machine serves dual functions: propulsion during normal operation and self-braking during overspeed conditions. The control unit exploits the motor's electromagnetic properties to convert it into a generator mode, where the motor's own electromagnetic field provides the braking force, eliminating the need for separate mechanical braking systems.
2Reliability
If mechanical braking means are used to block the electric turning machine, then overspeed protection is improved, but wear and mechanical damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact during braking by using electrical control. The control unit regulates the electrical supply to the motor, using electromagnetic fields to provide braking action without mechanical contact. This substitution of electrical for mechanical means eliminates wear on braking components and reduces the risk of mechanical damage.
3Speed
If mechanical braking means are used to control the actuator, then speed control is improved, but mass and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical braking components with a lightweight electronic control system. The control unit uses electrical signals and the motor's electromagnetic characteristics to provide braking and speed control, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical brakes, linkages, and associated components, thereby significantly reducing the mass and bulkiness of the control system.
4Reliability
If mechanical braking means are used to prevent overspeed, then safety is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical braking systems with a cost-effective electronic control system. By utilizing the electric turning machine's own electromagnetic characteristics and controlling it through electronic circuits, the system eliminates the need for costly mechanical brakes, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving safety performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric turning machine serves multiple functions: propulsion during normal operation and braking during overspeed conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate braking components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining safety. The control unit manages both functions using the same electrical system.
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 solution reduces wear on mechanical components, minimizes bulkiness and mass of control systems, and prevents mechanical damage by effectively managing actuator speed and position without abrupt stops, enhancing the overall effectiveness of thrust reversal systems.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit is suited to pilot the electric braking electronic circuit when the speed of the electric driving unit is higher than a threshold speed, in generator or electric driving unit motor mode
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a thrust reverser with a movable cowl includes an electromechanical actuator to actuate the movable cowl, an electric drive unit (M) driving the actuator, and a power control unit capable of controlling the electric drive unit (M). The power control unit moves the movable cowl to a closed position and/or to a deployed position. In particular, the control system includes an electronic circuit for electric braking capable of braking the electric drive unit (M), in case of overspeed of the drive unit when the movable cowl is moved to the closed position and/or to the deployed position.