Flight Actuator Check Device for Primary Load Path Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight actuator primary load path failure detection systems rely on additional sensors or complex testing procedures, which can be cumbersome and increase the risk of catastrophic failures if the primary load path failure is not accurately detected.
Innovation Solution
A check device that uses a mechanical linkage to simulate disconnection of the position sensor by allowing relative movement between mechanical parts, leveraging existing sensors and mechanical elements to test the primary load path failure detection device without additional components, ensuring correct operation and minimizing the need for extensive testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors or complex testing procedures are used to detect primary load path failure, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing position sensor serves dual purposes: it monitors the normal operation of the primary load path and, through the mechanical linkage connection, automatically detects primary load path failures. The system uses its own existing components (position sensor and mechanical linkage) to perform the detection function, eliminating the need for additional sensors or complex testing procedures.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect primary load path failure, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor, originally designed solely to monitor actuator position during normal operation, is enhanced to also detect primary load path failures. By connecting the position sensor to the mechanical linkage that connects the primary and secondary load paths, the sensor becomes a multi-functional component that performs both position monitoring and failure detection without requiring additional sensing elements.
3Reliability
If complex testing procedures are implemented to ensure correct operation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing through the mechanical linkage connection. When a primary load path failure occurs, the mechanical linkage automatically transmits the failure condition to the position sensor, enabling automatic detection without requiring external testing procedures or manual intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains high reliability while simplifying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A check device is provided for a flight actuator primary load path failure detection device of the type that disconnects a position sensor from the primary load path in the event of a primary load path failure. The check device comprises: a mechanical linkage for simulating disconnection of the position sensor by permitting relative movement of at least first and second mechanical parts of the actuator that are unable to move relative to one another in normal use without failure of the primary load path, wherein these first and second mechanical parts, include a first mechanical part with movement detected by the position sensor of the primary load path failure detection device.