Electric Drive Penetration Device for Aircraft Wall Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing piercing devices for aircraft fuselage, such as those used in firefighting, face challenges with hydraulic systems requiring complex sealing and spring-based systems that lack adaptability to varying wall structures, leading to inefficiencies in penetration force adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A compact piercing device with an electric drive system, including a spindle drive and guide device, allows for adjustable penetration force and efficient operation, using a servomotor or electrodynamic linear direct drive for precise control and adaptation to different wall structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a hydraulic system is used to drive the penetration tool, then the penetration force can be provided, but the device complexity increases and hydraulic medium leakage risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration forceVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic drive system with an electric drive system comprising an electric motor and a spindle mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid and sealing systems while providing sufficient penetration force through the electric motor's mechanical output coupled to the piercing tool via a spindle and transmission elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a spring-based system is used to drive the penetration tool, then the device structure is simpler, but the adaptability to varying wall structures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidpenetration force adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically controllable electric drive system where the motor speed, torque, and spindle rotation can be adjusted in real-time based on the wall structure properties. This dynamic control capability allows the system to adapt to varying wall thicknesses and materials while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to hydraulics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in the electric drive operation, including variable motor speed, adjustable spindle rotation rate, and controllable transmission ratios. These parameter adjustments enable the penetration force to be adapted to different wall structures without requiring physical changes to the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If the penetration force is increased to penetrate thicker walls, then the penetration capability is improved, but the risk of damaging the tool or structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration forceVSAvoidtool and structure integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the penetration process, including sensors that detect wall thickness, material properties, and tool position. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of the electric drive parameters, allowing the system to apply sufficient force for penetration while automatically reducing force near the end of penetration to prevent tool breakage or excessive structural damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 electric drive system enables precise and adaptable piercing capabilities, reducing complexity and environmental leakage risks while effectively penetrating diverse wall structures with adjustable force, enhancing firefighting efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission device has a spindle (24) which can be driven in rotation by an output movement of the electric drive and a spindle nut (25) which can be moved linearly along the spindle (24) as a result of the spindle rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3192569B1Penetration device for penetrating a wall structure
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 ALBERT ZIEGLER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3192569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3192569B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

In a piercing device (11) for piercing a wall structure, with at least one piercing unit (12) which has a base body (13), at least one piercing tool (14) movable with respect to the base body (13) and drive means (15) for causing a piercing movement of the piercing tool (14), the drive means (15) have an electric drive as a drive source.