Linear Actuator for Flight Control Surface Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for flight control surfaces in aircraft lack efficient mechanisms for precise control and redundancy, which can lead to instability and failure in critical flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator system comprising at least one electric motor, a threaded shaft, first and second threaded nuts, and an output shaft, where the threaded shaft is rotationally driven by the electric motor to axially displace the threaded nuts, which in turn rotate the output shaft, allowing for precise control and redundancy through dual motor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single motor is used in existing actuators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and redundancy are insufficient for critical flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two independent motor systems (first motor 14A and second motor 14B), each capable of independently driving the flight control surface. This segmentation provides redundancy such that if one motor fails, the other can still maintain control, directly improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The dual motor configuration serves as a preemptive redundancy measure, cushioning against the potential harm of motor failure before it occurs. The system is designed with built-in backup capability, ensuring that critical flight control functions remain protected even when one motor system fails
2Reliability
If a dual motor system is implemented, then redundancy and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator employs two independent motor systems (14A and 14B) with separate drive mechanisms, allowing each to function autonomously. This segmentation enables redundancy where one motor can compensate for the other's failure, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Both motors are configured to perform the same function of driving the flight control surface, creating a universal system where either motor can fulfill the control requirement. This multi-functionality approach improves redundancy while the standardized design of both systems helps control overall complexity
3Measurement precision
If traditional actuator mechanisms are used, then the manufacturing precision is adequate, but the control precision and responsiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with electric motors (14A and 14B) that directly drive the threaded shafts (16A and 16B). This substitution enables more precise control through electrical signal modulation, improving responsiveness and control precision while reducing the complexity of mechanical linkages found in traditional actuators
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 proposed actuator system provides enhanced precision and redundancy in controlling flight control surfaces, ensuring stability and reliability even in the event of motor failure, thereby improving aircraft safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded shaft rotationally driven via the at least one electric motor about a threaded shaft pivot axis, a first threaded nut axially displaced via rotation of the threaded shaft, a second threaded nut axially displaced via rotation of the threaded shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator for a flight control surface including at least one electric motor, a threaded shaft rotationally driven via the at least one motor about a threaded shaft pivot axis, first and second threaded nuts axially displaced via rotation of the threaded shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the threaded shaft, such that axial displacement of the first and second threaded nuts rotates the output shaft about an output shaft pivot axis that is substantially parallel with the threaded shaft pivot axis. Rotation of the threaded shaft in a first rotational direction via the at least one motor prompts movement of the first and second threaded nuts axially toward each other. Further, rotation of the threaded shaft in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction via the at least one motor prompts movement of the first and second threaded nuts axially away from each other.