Electromagnetic Actuator Thermal Load Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuators in jet engines, particularly those in the hot section, require continuous cooling due to high temperatures, leading to a significant thermal management load, especially in fueldraulic systems, which is inefficient and burdensome.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic actuator with a planetary roller screw and multiple motor assemblies on opposing sides, eliminating the need for hydraulic cooling by using electrically driven mechanical components that reduce heat load and thermal management requirements, featuring a shaft translatable between extended and retracted positions with a nut coupled via rollers and spur gears, and DC motors with planetary gear heads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic actuators are used in the hot section of jet engines, then the actuators can control engine components, but the hydraulic fluid must be continuously cooled which creates significant thermal management load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator operation in high temperature environmentVSAvoidthermal management load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic actuator uses electromagnetic fields to generate mechanical motion through a planetary roller screw mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid and its associated cooling requirements. This substitution directly resolves the thermal management burden while maintaining actuator functionality in high-temperature environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If hydraulic actuators operate in high temperature environments, then they can perform their function, but continuous cooling is required which reduces system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator duty cycleVSAvoidenergy for cooling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator replaces the hydraulic system, eliminating continuous cooling requirements. The electromagnetic motor converts electrical energy to mechanical motion through electromagnetic induction, and the planetary roller screw converts rotational motion to linear motion with high efficiency, minimizing energy loss and eliminating the need for thermal management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fueldraulic systems are used, then hydraulic actuators can be powered, but the heat absorbed to keep components cool presents a significant load on the thermal management system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuse of jet fuel as hydraulic working fluidVSAvoidthermal management requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fueldraulic system with an electromagnetic system. The electromagnetic motor uses electromagnetic fields to generate motion, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid entirely. This substitution removes the thermal management burden associated with cooling hydraulic components while maintaining the ability to power actuators in high-temperature jet engine environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 effectively reduces the thermal load on aircraft systems by eliminating the need for hydraulic cooling, allowing the actuators to operate efficiently in high-temperature environments without the burden of continuous cooling, thereby minimizing the thermal management system's requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Each motor assembly includes a DC motor having an output shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a planetary roller screw including a shaft linearly translatable between an extended position and a retracted position, a nut rotatable about the shaft, and a plurality of rollers coupling the nut to the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9605736B1High temperature electromagnetic actuator

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 RCT SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An electromagnetic actuator is provided. The electromagnetic actuator includes a planetary roller screw and at least two motor assemblies disposed on opposing sides of the roller screw. The planetary roller screw includes a shaft linearly translatable between an extended position and a retracted position, a nut rotatable about the shaft, and a plurality of rollers coupling the nut to the shaft. A spur gear is fixedly connected to the nut. Each motor assembly includes a DC motor having an output shaft, a planetary gear head coupled to the DC motor output shaft and having an output shaft, and a pinion gear coupled to the spur gear and fixedly connected to the planetary gear head output shaft.