Aircraft Hydraulic Distributor Seizing Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic distributors for aircraft servo-controls face challenges with dynamic seals in seizing detection systems, leading to hydraulic leakage and increased maintenance costs due to the complexity and expense of dynamic gaskets.

Innovation Solution

A coaxial hydraulic distributor with a reed switch and amplification means using a magnetized lever and magnetic lenses to detect seizing, eliminating the need for dynamic seals by allowing the detector device to be immersed in hydraulic fluid, thus preventing leakage and reducing maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dynamic seal is used in the detector device to separate it from the hydraulic system, then the detector can be positioned outside the hydraulic fluid, but hydraulic leakage occurs and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidhydraulic leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detector device is extracted from the hydraulic system by using a magnetic coupling mechanism that allows the detector to sense hydraulic distributor position without being in direct contact with the hydraulic fluid, thereby eliminating the need for dynamic seals and preventing hydraulic leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical contact-based detection system is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the movable part of the hydraulic distributor, and a reed switch or Hall effect sensor detects its position, eliminating the need for mechanical connections and dynamic seals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a dynamic gasket is used to seal the detector device, then the detector can be isolated from the hydraulic system, but the complexity and expense of the sealing system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidsealing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector device is extracted from the hydraulic system by using a magnetic coupling mechanism that allows the detector to sense hydraulic distributor position without being in direct contact with the hydraulic fluid, thereby eliminating the need for dynamic seals and preventing hydraulic leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical contact-based detection system is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the movable part of the hydraulic distributor, and a reed switch or Hall effect sensor detects its position, eliminating the need for mechanical connections and dynamic seals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a dynamic seal is used in the detector device, then the detector can function independently from the hydraulic system, but maintenance costs increase due to seal wear and leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector independenceVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The detector device is extracted from the hydraulic system by using a magnetic coupling mechanism that allows the detector to sense hydraulic distributor position without being in direct contact with the hydraulic fluid, thereby eliminating the need for dynamic seals and preventing hydraulic leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical contact-based detection system is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the movable part of the hydraulic distributor, and a reed switch or Hall effect sensor detects its position, eliminating the need for mechanical connections and dynamic seals

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 provides a leak-tight seizing detection system that effectively alerts pilots to servo-control issues without hydraulic leakage, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance expenses through the use of static seals and a reed switch activated by amplified movement.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetized free end that activates the reed switch in the event of the emergency distributor member moving

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

amplification means for amplifying the movement of the emergency distributor member, the amplification means comprising a lever having a magnetized free end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS7984670B2Hydraulic distributor provided with a device for detecting seizing

Publication Date: 2011.07.26 EUROCOPTER FRANCE SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hydraulic distributor (2) of a servo-control (1) of an aircraft, the hydraulic distributor comprising main distributor member (10) and emergency distributor member (20) that are coaxial, said emergency distributor member (20) being caused to move by said main distributor member (10) in the event of said main distributor member (10) seizing, said hydraulic distributor being provided with a detector device (60) for detecting said seizing. The detector device (60) is provided with a reed switch (66) and with amplification means (62, 69, 68) for amplifying said movement of the emergency distributor member, said amplification means comprising a lever (62) having a magnetized free end (62′) that activates said reed switch (66) in the event of said emergency distributor member (20) moving.