In-Situ Linear Actuator Testing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing linear actuators installed on aircraft cannot be performed in-situ, making it difficult to detect small decreases in actuator effectiveness, which can impact fuel efficiency due to reduced ability to resist aerodynamic suction forces.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a test device, a test actuator, and a measurement device that applies a test force opposite to the actuation direction to measure changes in distance between moving parts of the linear actuator, allowing for in-situ testing while the actuator is still installed on the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is removed from the aircraft for testing, then the testing can be performed using known techniques, but the actuator cannot be tested in-situ and routine testing cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
A test device is introduced as an intermediary component that couples between the linear actuator and the test actuator. This test device includes a first surface that contacts the first part of the linear actuator and a second surface that contacts the second part, allowing force transmission and measurement while the actuator remains installed on the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator tests itself in-situ by applying its own actuation force against the test device while the test actuator applies a test force. The measurement device detects displacement of the actuator under these combined forces, enabling self-diagnosis without removal from the aircraft.
2Productivity
If the actuator is tested in-situ, then routine testing and early detection of performance degradation are enabled, but known testing techniques cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into three functional segments: a test device for coupling and force application, a test actuator for generating the opposing test force, and a measurement device for detecting displacement. This segmentation allows the complex testing function to be distributed across manageable components that can be integrated into the existing actuator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The test device serves multiple functions: it couples the linear actuator to the test actuator, transmits the test force, and provides measurement points for displacement detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each testing operation.
3Reliability
If a test force is applied opposite to the actuation direction, then the actuator's ability to resist aerodynamic suction forces is simulated, but the testing requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The test actuator generates a test force that acts in the opposite direction to the linear actuator's actuation force, simulating the aerodynamic suction forces that the actuator must resist during flight. This counteracting force allows the measurement of the actuator's holding capability in a controlled manner.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for in-situ testing of a linear actuator configured to exert an actuation force in an actuation direction by movement of a first part of the actuator relative to a second part of the actuator. The apparatus includes a test device, a test actuator and a measurement device. The test device includes a first surface configured to contact the first part of the actuator, and a second surface configured to contact the second part of the actuator. The second surface is moveable relative to the first surface to alter a distance therebetween. The test actuator is configured to exert a test force in a direction opposite to the actuation direction, the test force being to drive movement of the second surface away from the first surface. The measurement device is for detecting a change in the distance between the first surface and the second surface.