Electromechanical Actuator SAW Sensor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuators (EMAs) used in safety-critical applications, such as aircraft flight control surfaces, require additional sensors for performance monitoring, which increases the overall size and weight of the actuators.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor and an inductive position sensor within the actuation element of the EMA, utilizing a pair of interface components to transmit signals and determine the position of the movable body portion relative to the stationary body portion, thereby reducing the need for external sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If output position sensors are attached to EMA inside a gearbox, then the position of rotary EMAs can be monitored, but the overall size of the EMAs increases and thus the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position sensor functionality with the existing interface components (antennas) of the SAW sensor system. The first interface component (stationary antenna) and second interface component (movable antenna) serve dual purposes: transmitting signals to/from the SAW sensor and functioning as an inductive position sensor. This merging eliminates the need for separate position sensors, thereby avoiding additional weight while maintaining position monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface components of the SAW sensor system are designed to perform multiple functions. Besides their primary role in signal transmission for the SAW sensor, they also function as an inductive position sensor to determine the position of the movable body portion. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and weight while achieving both sensor operation monitoring and position monitoring.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are integrated for performance monitoring, then safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position sensing function with the existing SAW sensor interface components, creating a multi-functional system. The first and second interface components serve both as communication interfaces for the SAW sensor and as an inductive position sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities for safety-critical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface components are designed with universal functionality to perform both signal transmission for operational monitoring and position determination. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve enhanced reliability through multiple monitoring capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 the reduction of the EMA's weight and size while maintaining performance monitoring capabilities, thereby addressing the challenge of reducing aircraft emissions and improving safety without compromising reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a surface acoustic wave, SAW, sensor disposed on the actuation element
Implementation Method 2
the first interface component and the second interface component define an inductive position sensor, such that the first interface component produces a signal suitable for determination of the position of the second interface component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electromechanical actuator, EMA, (1) is provided comprising: a stationary body portion (11); a movable body portion (13) configured to move relative to the stationary body portion (11); an actuation element (19) connecting the stationary body portion (11) and the movable body portion (13) and configured to actuate the movable body portion (13) relative to the stationary body portion (11); a surface acoustic wave, SAW, sensor (4) disposed on the actuation element (19); a first interface component (2) disposed on the stationary body portion (11) at an interface (17) between the stationary body portion (11) and the movable body portion (13); and a second interface component (3) disposed on the movable body portion (13) at the interface (17) between the stationary body portion (11) and the movable body portion (13); wherein the second interface component (3) is configured to transmit signals between the SAW sensor (4) and the first interface component (2); and wherein the first interface component (2) and the second interface component (3) define an inductive position sensor (6), such that the first interface component (2) produces a signal suitable for determination of the position of the second interface component (3).