Integrated Hydraulic Actuator for Aircraft Stability Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Stability and Control Augmentation Systems (SCAS) for aircraft are complex and heavy due to their mechanical linkage architecture, necessitating a reduction in size and weight for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified SCAS module with a hydraulic actuator and valve system, featuring a moveable valve member that controls fluid pressure differentials across a piston within a cylindrical chamber, allowing for linear motion and reduced mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical linkage architecture with separate actuators is used for SCAS, then control stability is achieved, but system weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SCAS actuator with the main rotor actuator into a single integrated hydraulic actuator system. The SCAS actuator is combined with the main rotor actuator to form one actuator assembly, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing overall system weight while maintaining control stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator system performs multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both main rotor control and SCAS stability augmentation control through a single actuator mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and decreases system weight while maintaining the required control capabilities.
2Reliability
If a traditional mechanical linkage architecture with separate actuators is used for SCAS, then control stability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the SCAS actuator and main rotor actuator into a single integrated actuator assembly, reducing the number of separate mechanical linkages and components. This merging simplifies the overall mechanical architecture while maintaining control stability through the unified actuator design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate SCAS actuator from the traditional mechanical linkage architecture, integrating its functions into the main rotor actuator system. This extraction of the separate actuator component simplifies the mechanical linkage structure and reduces overall system complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If a simplified valve system with moveable valve member is used, then actuator size and weight are reduced, but fluid pressure control precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic valve system with a moveable valve member to control fluid pressure differentials across the piston. The hydraulic mechanism provides precise pressure control while maintaining a compact and lightweight design, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable valve member controls fluid pressure by changing the flow parameters through its position. By adjusting the valve member's position, the system precisely controls the pressure differential across the piston, achieving accurate control with a simplified valve architecture.
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 enhanced control and stability with reduced weight and size, enabling more efficient movement of the actuator system, potentially improving the dynamic performance of flight control surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
When the moveable valve member is in the first position the moveable valve member decreases the pressure of the fluid flowing into the first region of the hydraulic chamber through the first fluid flow path with respect to the pressure of the fluid flowing into the second region of the hydraulic chamber through the second fluid flow path such that the piston is moved in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a substantially cylindrical hydraulic chamber that has a first region and a second region; and a piston arranged for linear motion in a first direction and a second direction along an axis of the substantially cylindrical hydraulic chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A Stability and Control Augmentation System (“SCAS”) module includes a SCAS actuator. The SCAS actuator has a substantially cylindrical hydraulic chamber having a first and second regions. A piston is arranged for linear motion in first and second directions along an axis of the hydraulic chamber. The SCAS module also includes a valve system for controlling a flow of a hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic chamber. The valve system has: at least one supply line arranged to provide a first fluid flow path to the first region of the hydraulic chamber and/or a second fluid flow path to the second region of the hydraulic chamber, and a moveable valve member arranged to have a position between a first and second positions.