Force-Shunting Actuator Locking for High Axial Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial mechanical actuators in the aeronautics field face challenges in reliably locking or blocking forces without the need for costly and energy-consuming steering mechanisms, particularly in landing gear applications where forces exceed actuator capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A force-shunting device comprising a cylindrical tube with obliquely arranged primary and secondary legs that mechanically cam or rub against the inner wall to distribute external forces, allowing the actuator to handle high forces without steering mechanisms, by coupling the device to a jack and a mechanical action receiver to protect the jack from excessive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an axial mechanical actuator is designed to withstand high forces without steering mechanisms, then the actuator mass and energy consumption increase significantly, but the reliability and cost decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The force-shunting device segments the force transmission path by introducing a separate tube that receives and dissipates external forces independently from the actuator. The tube acts as a force sink, receiving forces through frictional contact with the actuator rod, thereby protecting the actuator from high external forces without requiring the actuator itself to be oversized.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube serves as an intermediary element between the external force receiver and the actuator. It mechanically couples to the actuator rod through frictional contact, allowing it to absorb and dissipate external forces before they reach the actuator, thus protecting the actuator from force overload without requiring steering mechanisms.
2Reliability
If steering mechanisms are installed to control force blocking, then the reliability and control capability improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force-shunting device operates autonomously without requiring external steering mechanisms. The tube automatically engages with the actuator rod through frictional contact and mechanically cams against it when external forces are applied, self-regulating the force transmission based on the applied load without needing electrical or electromechanical control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electrical or electromechanical steering mechanisms with a simple passive mechanical friction-based system. The tube relies on frictional contact and mechanical camming against the actuator rod to achieve force shunting, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control circuits while improving reliability.
3Force
If the actuator is made oversized to withstand all external forces, then the force capability improves, but the energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission system is segmented into two independent paths: one through the actuator for controlled force transmission, and another through the tube for dissipating external forces. This segmentation allows the actuator to be sized for its intended function rather than being oversized to handle all external forces, reducing energy consumption and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube acts as an intermediary force sink that protects the actuator from high external forces. By introducing this intermediate element, the actuator can be optimally sized for its specific function without needing the excessive capacity that would result from directly withstanding all external forces, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and compact mechanical actuator that automatically and systematically limits or blocks external forces, preventing electromechanical failures and reducing energy consumption, while maintaining the ability to freely exert forces on the mechanical receiver.
Implementation Method 1
the primary pad (13) rubs or grips by mechanical camming against the inner wall (6)
Implementation Method 2
the primary leg (5) rubs or grips by mechanical camming against the inner wall (6) via its primary pad (13)
Implementation Method 3
drive the primary pad (13) so as to reduce the friction of the latter on the inner wall (6), under the application of the second external force (E2) on the second member (4), to unprime the rubbing or mechanical camming of the primary leg (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A force-shunting device including a tube defining a main axis and an inner wall, a first member sliding within the tube, a primary leg arranged obliquely, attached to the first member and including a primary pad in frictional contact with the inner wall, such that, when an external force is applied in a first direction on the first member, the primary leg rubs, or grips by mechanical camming, against the inner wall, the tube thus reacting all or part of the external force, the device including a second member mounted within the tube, sliding along the main axis and securely provided with a driving element of the primary pad so as to reduce the friction on the inner wall, to unprime the rubbing or mechanical camming.