Integrated Electro-Hydrostatic Actuator for Low-Profile Aircraft Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) systems are bulky, heavy, and costly due to their component-based design, requiring assembly and plumbing, which complicates their integration in applications like aircraft systems where a low-profile, durable, and efficient solution is needed.
Innovation Solution
A compact electro-hydrostatic actuator design that integrates a piston assembly, hydraulic cylinder, reservoir, electric motor, and hydraulic pump within a single unit, featuring a bi-directional pump system and thermal management, with a swash plate mechanism for fluid control and an integrated control module for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a component-based EHA system is used, then the actuator can be assembled from standard parts, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and complex requiring assembly and plumbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor, hydraulic pump, reservoir, and control valve into a single integrated housing, eliminating the need for separate component assembly and plumbing. This integration directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production while dramatically reducing system complexity and installation requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If a component-based EHA system is used, then the actuator can be assembled from standard parts, but the size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic components into a single integrated housing, eliminating redundant structural elements and plumbing required in component-based systems. This integration reduces the overall weight while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the reservoir within the hydraulic cylinder housing, with the pump and motor integrated into the same structure. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for separate housings and mounting structures, thereby reducing weight while maintaining manufacturability
3Volume of stationary object
If an integrated EHA design is used, then size and weight are reduced, but component durability for elongated hydraulic operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design maintains component durability by ensuring each component (motor, pump, reservoir, valve) is properly engineered and positioned within the housing to withstand elongated hydraulic operation. The integration itself does not compromise durability but rather eliminates potential failure points from external plumbing and mounting interfaces
4Ease of operation
If an integrated EHA design is used, then assembly and plumbing are eliminated, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into a single housing that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit, eliminating the need for complex field assembly and plumbing. While the internal design is complex, the integration simplifies installation and operation by providing a turnkey solution
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 integrated design reduces size, weight, and manufacturing costs while enhancing durability and operational efficiency, allowing for elongated hydraulic operation life and improved weight balancing, suitable for aircraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor located within the hydraulic cylinder for driving the hydraulic pump system
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pump system for moving hydraulic fluid in the reservoir and the hydraulic fluid chamber region
Implementation Method 3
The electric motor rotates a fixed or variable angle swash plate to drive the hydraulic pump system. The direction of hydraulic fluid flow is determined by a direction of movement of the fixed or variable angle swash plate and the flow magnitude of the hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic fluid chamber region is controlled by an angle through which the swash plate is tilted.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electro-hydrostatic actuator comprising a piston assembly and a hydraulic cylinder. The piston assembly, having a piston head and a piston rod extending from the piston head, is located and movable within the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder includes a hydraulic fluid chamber region including a piston side chamber and a rod side chamber, a reservoir for storing hydraulic fluid located within the hydraulic cylinder which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid chamber region. The electro-hydrostatic actuator includes a hydraulic pump system for moving hydraulic fluid in the reservoir and the hydraulic fluid chamber region, the hydraulic pump system in fluid communication with a flow control network in a hydraulic cylinder boss for controlling a direction and flow magnitude of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid chamber region, and an electric motor for driving the hydraulic pump system.