Lever Arm Testing Device for Flight Actuator Secondary Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a simple and effective solution for testing the operation of secondary channel force detection in flight control actuators, particularly during periodic ground verification of aircraft, and existing systems are not suitable for easy implementation on aircraft.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a lever arm pivotally mounted on a support that can be mechanically fixed to a structure independent of the secondary track, allowing for the application of tensile and/or compressive forces to the secondary track, facilitating testing of the force detection mechanism without causing malfunctions or safety risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a complex testing system is used to test secondary channel force detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection testing accuracyVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential testing function from complex existing systems by using a simple lever arm that directly applies force to the secondary channel attachment point. The lever arm is pivotally mounted on the primary channel structure, allowing direct force application without complex mechanisms, thereby achieving accurate force detection testing with minimal device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever arm acts as an intermediary between the tester and the secondary channel force detection system. By applying force through the lever arm at a known distance from the pivot point, the system creates a controlled and measurable force application mechanism that simplifies the testing process while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a minimally invasive testing device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting simplicityVSAvoidforce detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lever arm is pre-configured with a specific length and pivot point position that establishes a known mechanical advantage ratio. This preliminary design allows the tester to apply a manageable force that is automatically scaled to the appropriate test force level, achieving both ease of operation and measurement precision without requiring complex measurement equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables straightforward and minimally invasive testing of secondary channel force detection on aircraft, ensuring maximum safety and ease of maintenance by allowing for accurate verification of force recovery mechanisms without errors or omissions.

Implementation Method 1

a lever arm which by tilting allows the tool to be supported on said zone so that it exerts a tensile and/or compressive force on the secondary track

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP2332838B1Device for testing load bearing detection of a secondary channel of a flight control actuator, and associated testing method
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 GOODRICH ACTUATION SYST
  • EP2332838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2332838B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~4
  • EP2332838B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for testing means for detecting the loading of the secondary channel of a flight control actuator of the type comprising a primary channel and a secondary channel capable of taking over the force of the primary channel in the event of its failure, characterized in that it comprises a tool (33) capable of bearing on at least one area of ​​at least one element of the secondary channel, as well as a lever arm (30) which by tilting allows the tool to bear on said area so that it exerts a tensile and/or compressive force on the secondary channel, said lever arm (30) being pivotally mounted on a support (31) capable of being fixed on a structure mechanically independent of the secondary channel.