Integrated Actuator Drive Unit Housing for Aircraft Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical actuator drive units in aircraft and large vehicle brake systems face issues with load cell measurement accuracy due to relative movements caused by vibration and shock, leading to calibration and zero shift errors, and require separate components that increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An integrated actuator drive unit housing that combines a load cell, thrust bearing, and planetary ring gear, where the load cell is directly integrated into the ADU housing with strain gauges mounted within columns to measure compressive loads accurately, eliminating relative movement and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate load cell, thrust bearing, and planetary ring gear components are used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but device complexity and measurement accuracy deteriorate due to relative movements from vibration and shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load cell, thrust bearing, and planetary ring gear into a single integrated component structure. The load cell is formed as an integral part of the actuator drive unit housing, eliminating separate components and their associated relative movements. This merging resolves the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through eliminated relative motion between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: the load cell measures compressive loads, the thrust bearing supports axial loads, and the planetary ring gear provides gear engagement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring that all functions are performed within a single rigid structure that prevents measurement errors from relative movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for load cell, thrust bearing, and planetary ring gear, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the load cell, thrust bearing, and planetary ring gear into a single component, the patent reduces the number of assembly operations required. Instead of assembling multiple separate components, the integrated structure can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit, significantly reducing assembly time and improving productivity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure allows for preliminary assembly or manufacturing of the complete functional unit before installation. The load cell, thrust bearing, and planetary ring gear are prepared and integrated in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site assembly operations and improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
3Weight of moving object
If separate components are used, then component replacement flexibility is improved, but system weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple components into a single structure eliminates the weight of separate components, mounting hardware, and associated fasteners. The consolidated design reduces overall system weight and volume while maintaining all necessary functions, directly addressing the weight reduction goal.
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 integration enhances measurement accuracy, reduces weight and size, decreases manufacturing time, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the risk of measurement errors, while providing a more reliable braking system.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauges mounted within columns to measure compressive loads accurately
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated actuator drive unit (ADU) assembly (200) for an electric motor actuator (100;300) is disclosed. The integrated ADU assembly (200) may comprise at least one of an integrally formed ring gear (230), an integrally formed thrust bearing (140;240) and integrally formed load cell (270). The integrated ADU assembly (200) may comprise a portion of an electromechanical actuator. The electromechanical actuator may be utilized for aircraft braking systems.