Electromechanical Control Rod Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Flight Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flight control systems rely on fixed-length mechanical control rods, which are inefficient in high-vibration environments and require precise axial movement, and lack the ability to operate independently of pilot action.
Innovation Solution
A smart control rod assembly with electromechanical actuators, including a screw-and-nut assembly driven by a direct drive motor, allowing for variable connector-to-connector length and independent operation, featuring a fail-safe brake and position sensor, and capable of operating in active/active or active/standby modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional fixed-length mechanical control rods are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot operate independently of pilot action and performs poorly in high-vibration environments
Solution Approach 1:
The control rod assembly incorporates an electromechanical actuator that enables dynamic adjustment of the connector-to-connector length, transforming the static fixed-length rod into a dynamically adjustable mechanism. This allows the system to operate autonomously by electrically actuating the control surface without requiring continuous pilot input, while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical pilot-operated control rod with an electromechanical system that includes an electric motor, drive mechanism, and control electronics. This substitution enables autonomous operation through electrical actuation while reducing reliance on direct mechanical linkage from the pilot's controls, thereby improving automation extent.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional fixed-length control rods are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the precision and adaptability in high-vibration environments are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical actuator enables precise control of the connector-to-connector length through electrical signals, allowing for accurate positioning and adjustment. This dynamic adjustment capability provides superior manufacturing precision compared to fixed-length rods, as the length can be precisely set and maintained electrically rather than requiring complex precision manufacturing of the rod itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the key parameter of connector-to-connector length from a fixed manufacturing specification to a dynamically adjustable electrical parameter. This allows precise length control to be achieved through electrical actuation rather than through complex precision manufacturing processes, thereby improving manufacturing precision while managing manufacturing complexity.
3Extent of automation
If electromechanical actuators are added to enable autonomous operation, then the automation extent improves, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical pilot-operated control system with an electromechanical actuator system that provides autonomous operation. The actuator includes an electric motor, drive mechanism (such as a screw-and-nut assembly), and control electronics, replacing the need for direct mechanical linkage from the pilot's controls and enabling independent operation of the control surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical actuator serves multiple functions: it provides the driving force to move the control surface, enables autonomous operation without pilot input, and can be controlled through electrical signals from the flight control system. This multi-functionality consolidates several system requirements into a single integrated component, managing overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If electromechanical actuators with screw-and-nut assemblies are used, then the precision and vibration resistance improve, but the weight and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electromechanical actuator with a screw-and-nut drive mechanism that replaces traditional mechanical control linkages. This substitution provides precise control of the control rod position through electrical actuation, improving measurement precision and vibration resistance while consolidating the actuation function into a compact assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw-and-nut assembly converts rotational motion from the electric motor into linear motion of the control rod, effectively transforming the problem from one dimension (rotational control) to another (linear positioning). This dimensional transformation enables precise linear position control while keeping the actuator components compact and manageable in size.
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 smart control rod assembly provides a compact, lightweight, and low-maintenance solution with improved precision and reduced vibration, enabling precise control of flight surfaces in high-vibration environments and allowing for autonomous operation without pilot intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator operably coupled to the connecting rod, the actuator including a screw-and-nut assembly mounted with respect to the connecting rod, and a motor that is configured to drive the screw-and-nut assembly
Implementation Method 2
a screw-and-nut assembly mounted with respect to the connecting rod, and a motor that is configured to drive the screw-and-nut assembly; wherein the actuator is operable such that driving the screw-and-nut assembly via the motor causes the connecting rod to translate linearly along a longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A control rod assembly is provided for moving a control surface of a flight vehicle. The control rod assembly includes a first connector for connecting to a first structure of vehicle, and a second connector for connecting to a second structure of the vehicle. A connecting rod may be operably coupled between the first and second connectors, and an actuator may be operably coupled to the connecting rod. The actuator may include a screw-and-nut assembly, and a motor that is configured to drive the screw-and-nut assembly. The actuator may be operable such that driving the screw-and-nut assembly via the motor causes the connecting rod to translate linearly along a longitudinal axis to thereby vary a distance between the first and second connectors. The actuators may be electromechanical actuators which may be controlled by a controller without pilot interaction. Two such actuators may be provided on opposite sides of the assembly.