Linear Actuator Disengagement Mechanism for Jammed Lane Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic actuation systems in aerospace applications are prone to jamming, which can lead to secondary lane failures due to their linked design, resulting in high failure rates, maintenance demands, and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A jam-free linear actuation system incorporating a disengagement mechanism with a fixed end fitting mechanical connection and a trim end fitting mechanical connection, driven by an actuation motor, allowing for the disengagement of components in case of a jammed failure, thereby preventing lane jams and enabling continued operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-redundant actuators are employed to reduce failure rates, then reliability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to lane jamming where one actuator jams the other due to linked structural connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuator system into two independent actuator lanes (primary and secondary) that are structurally separated. Each lane has its own mounting structure and connection points, preventing mechanical interference between lanes. This segmentation allows each actuator to operate independently without jamming the other, while still providing dual redundancy for improved reliability.
2Reliability
If actuators are linked to the same structural member to enable redundancy, then failover capability is improved, but jamming propagation occurs where one actuator's failure jams the secondary actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the structural connection between actuator lanes, removing the common structural member that caused jamming propagation. Each actuator is mounted on separate structural members or connection points, so that when one actuator jams or fails, the failure remains isolated to that lane and cannot propagate to the secondary actuator, preserving failover capability.
3Power
If hydraulic actuation systems are used to achieve high force output, then power is improved, but the system suffers from leaking, high weight penalty, and high maintenance demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with an electro-mechanical actuation system. Instead of using hydraulic fluid and pistons to generate force, the system uses electric motors coupled with screw mechanisms or direct-drive motors to produce linear motion. This substitution eliminates hydraulic leaks, reduces weight by removing hydraulic reservoirs and fluid systems, and significantly lowers maintenance requirements while maintaining adequate force output for the application.
Data Source
AI summary
A jam free linear actuator system includes a linear electro-mechanical actuator configured to actuate a component; a disengagement mechanism configured to disengage components of the linear electro-mechanical actuator in an event of a jammed failure; a fixed end fitting mechanical connection; and a trim end fitting mechanical connection. The fixed end fitting mechanical connection connects the linear electro-mechanical actuator to a portion of a system implementing the linear electro-mechanical actuator; and the trim end fitting mechanical connection connects the linear electro-mechanical actuator to the component.